Green iguana

Scientific name: Iguana iguana

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Adult green iguanas display a variable green to blue-grey coloration with a prominent dorsal crest running from head to tail, particularly pronounced in males. They possess a large tympanum, robust limbs with sharp claws, and a long laterally-compressed tail; males are notably larger and develop jowls (subtympanic shields).

Size and weight

Males typically weigh 3.5–6 kg and measure 150–200 cm total length; females weigh 2–4 kg and reach 120–160 cm, with the tail comprising approximately two-thirds of total length.

Habitat

Green iguanas inhabit humid tropical and subtropical forests, typically in canopy and mid-story vegetation near permanent water sources such as rivers, streams, and wetlands. They occupy altitudes from sea level to approximately 800 m, favoring riparian corridors and forest edges with dense tree cover.

Distribution

Green iguanas are native to Central and South America from southern Mexico south through the Amazon Basin to northern Argentina, occupying lowland humid forests and riparian zones throughout this range.

Diet

Green iguanas are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers, with a strong preference for cecropia and fig leaves; fruit consumption increases during fruiting seasons.

Behaviour

Green iguanas are diurnal and solitary, spending most daylight hours basking and foraging in the canopy; they are highly arboreal but descend to ground level to deposit eggs and move between water bodies, and they are capable of rapid flight when threatened.

Hunting tips

Look for sign including fresh leaf browse damage, fecal droppings (white chalky paste on branches and ground), and claw marks on tree bark. Approach water edges at dawn and late afternoon when iguanas descend to drink and bask; move slowly and quietly through dense vegetation, using tree cover to close distance. Scan the canopy methodically at eye level and above, as perched iguanas often remain motionless until approached closely.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 2 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.