How long do iguanas live?

When you think about iguanas, the first question that comes to your mind is: How long do iguanas live? It is so remarkable to see such fascinating creatures with such striking appearances and unique behaviors. Surprisingly, they have a lengthy lifespan. It is okay if you are curious about them or adopting one as a pet, but understanding their lifespan is important. 

Let's dig deeper, know some surprising facts, and also understand the things that influence how long an iguana can live and what you can do to maximize it.

What is an iguana?

An iguana is a large, herbivorous lizard that is found primarily in tropical areas of central and south America. They are known for their tails and spiny crests on their backs. Iguanas are excellent climbers and spend most of their time in trees. They are popular as exotic pets. They are cold-blooded reptiles. They have a calm demeanor and depend on external heat sources to regulate body temperature.

Types of iguana

Type	Description	Native
Green Iguana	Most common, large  and herbivorous	Central and South America
Marine Iguana	Swims, feeds on algae, unique to water environments	Galapagos Islands
Lesser Antillean Iguana	Endangered species, smaller in size	Caribbean Islands
Fiji Banded Iguana	Brightly colored, rare, arboreal	Fiji Islands

 

How long do iguanas live?

Iguanas can live for a good amount of time. They should just be well cared for. On average, an iguana can live between 12 and 20 years. Even though some have been known to reach the age of 25 years with best care. Along with that, lifespan may decrease due to environmental threats, predators and a lack of food sources.

Iguana type	Lifespan(captivity)	Lifespan (wild)
Green Iguana	15-20 years	8-12 years
Lesser Antillean Iguana	12-15 years	8-10 years
Galapagos Lund Iguana	Up to 25 years	10-15 years

Average lifespan in captivity: 12-20 years

Exceptional lifespan in captivity - Up to 25 years

Lifespan in the wild -  8-12 years

What is influencing iguana lifespan?

The upcoming factors come into play when determining how long an iguana can live. 

• What do iguanas eat? 

One of the main factors affecting how long an iguana lives is its diet. They are herbivores and feed on leafy greens, fruits and vegetables. Poor diet can decrease their lifespan.

→ Optimal diet: Kale, collards, mango, papaya, carrots and squash

→ Avoid: animal protein, dairy, overly processed foods

• Habitat:

Iguanas need a specific environment to live. The place should mimic their natural habitat with the right balance of heat, humidity and space. They should have plenty of space to climb and hide.

→ Temperature: 85-95°F during the day, 75-80°F at night  

→ Humidity: 70-80%

→ Size of Space: 6-8 feet long

• Veterinary care:

Regular checkups with a reptile vet can extend an iguana's life. Issues like parasites, infections, and malnutrition can go unnoticed without professional care.

Iguana diet

Iguana food	Examples	Percentage of diet
Leafy greens	Collard greens, dandelion greens, kale	50-60%
Vegetables	Squash, bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers	20-30%
Fruits	Mangoes, papayas, strawberries	10-15%
Supplement	Calcium powder	As needed
Water	Fresh water daily	Essential

 

What can iguanas eat?

Food item	Can Iguanas eat?
Can iguanas eat apples?	Yes
Can iguanas eat bananas?	Yes
Can iguanas eat watermelon?	Yes
Can iguanas eat tomatoes?	Yes
Can iguanas eat grapes?	Yes

 

How big do iguanas get?

One of the fascinating aspects of iguanas is their size. The size of an iguana correlates with its lifespan. Larger iguanas tend to have a longer lifespan. Let’s understand the sizes on the basis of species.

Iguana species	Maximum length	Maximum weight
Green Iguana	6-7 feet	15-20 pounds
Lesser Antillean Iguana	4-5 feet	8-10 pounds
Galápagos Land Iguana	5-6 feet	20-25 pounds

 

Wild vs. Captivity: How long can iguana live?

The difference in lifespan between wild and captive iguanas is significant. While captive iguanas live up to 20 to 25 years, wild iguanas face many challenges that reduce their lifespan to about 8 to 12 years.

Factors shortening lifespan in the wild:

⇒ predation by birds, snakes and other animals

⇒ environmental hazards like storms and habitat destruction

⇒ scarcity of food and water during dry seasons

Iguana VS Lizard

Feature	Iguanas	Other Lizards
Size	Larger (up to 6 feet)	Varies (a few inches to a few feet)
Diet	Herbivorous (mostly plants)	Carnivorous, herbivorous, or omnivorous
Habitat	Tropical regions (rainforests, islands)	Varied (deserts, forests, urban areas)
Tail	Varied (deserts, forests, urban areas)	Varies (some used for fat storage)
Behavior	More territorial	Varies, less territorial in some species

 

Are iguanas dangerous, or do iguanas bite?

Although iguanas are generally harmless, they can become defensive when threatened. The common question that comes up is “do iguanas bite?”. Yes, they bite, but it is usually in self-defense only. We should understand their behavior to avoid any accidents and to make sure there is a harmonious relationship.

• Aggressive behavior: rare, mostly in self-defense.
• Do iguanas bite? - Yes, but bites are very rare and mostly non-serious.
• Are iguanas dangerous? - No, but they should be handled carefully.

Summing Up!

Understanding how iguanas live is important for anyone interested in these iguanas. With the right care, environment and diet, your iguana can live a long, healthy life. They can often surpass two decades. These necessary steps, which are discussed in the blog to care for them, make sure iguanas thrive and enjoy their long journey. Just embrace the responsibility and find yourself with a scaly friend for many years to come.

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FAQs

Are iguanas good pets?

Iguanas can be interesting pets for experienced reptile owners due to their size and care needs. But this requires a lot of space, lighting and a specific diet, which can be a challenge for beginners.

Can Iguanas swim?

Yes, iguanas are excellent swimmers. They often swim to escape predators or cool off.

Where do iguanas sleep?

Iguanas sleep in trees, high off the ground. They do this to avoid predators. They find secure branches to rest in at night. They are known to sleep deeply.

Why do iguanas shake their heads?

Iguanas shake their heads to communicate and show dominance. It is during mating or territorial disputes. 

How fast can an iguana run?

Iguanas can run up to 21 miles per hour when they feel threatened. 

Do iguanas lay eggs?

Yes, iguanas are oviparous. They lay eggs. Female iguanas typically lay clutches of 20 -70 eggs in burrows. It will hatch after about 90 days.

Do iguanas eat bugs?

Iguanas may occasionally eat insects or bugs.  Iguanas are primarily herbivores. They may occasionally eat insects or bugs.

How to clean iguana poop?

Wear gloves and use a scoop or paper towel to pick up the iguana poop. Clean the area with a reptile-safe disinfectant. Rinse the spot thoroughly and dry it.

Do iguana eat meat?

Iguana are primarily herbivores. They eat fruits, vegetables and leafy greens. While some may occasionally consume insects or small animals, their diet should mainly consist of plant matter only.