Rhinoceros iguana

The rhinoceros iguana is a fascinating yet threatened species of lizard that primarily inhabits the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. These iguanas can range in size from 60 to 136 centimeters in length and exhibit a variety of skin colors, from steely grey to dark green and brown. Their unique name, "rhinoceros iguana" is derived from the bony, horn-like protrusions on their snouts.

Scientifically, rhinoceros iguanas belong to the genus Cyclura. The species was first described by Pierre Joseph Bonnaterre in 1789. There are three subspecies of *Cyclura cornuta*, although one is believed to be extinct in the wild.

Physically, these iguanas are robust with prominent horned projections on their snouts. They have strong legs, a vertically flattened tail, and a series of pointed, horned scales running from their neck to their tail. Males are generally larger than females and exhibit distinct features such as dorsal crests and prominent horns.

Rhinoceros iguanas are distributed across Hispaniola, with stable populations in certain regions. They prefer rocky outcroppings with sparse vegetation, which serve as their primary habitat. While they mainly consume plants, their diet occasionally includes small lizards, snakes, and insects.

During mating season, male rhinoceros iguanas become territorial and reach sexual maturity at around four to five years old. They mate during the first rainy season. Females lay clutches of 2 to 34 eggs, with an average of about 17 eggs per clutch, and an incubation period of approximately 85 days.

Unfortunately, the species is endangered, with only about 10,000 to 16,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Conservation efforts include captive breeding programs and reintroduction into protected areas. Rhinoceros iguanas are well-established in captivity, which helps reduce the demand for wild-caught specimens.

Despite their relatively stable presence in captivity, rhinoceros iguanas are still considered a protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This status underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to ensure their survival.