Rhino iguana
Cyclura cornuta
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Diet
The rhinoceros iguana is primarily herbivorous, consuming leaves, flowers, berries, and fruits from different plant species. They are the largest native herbivores of their island's ecosystem! Rhinoceros iguanas do appear to be opportunistic carnivores as they have been observed eating small lizards, snakes, and insects.
Breeding
Rhinocerous iguanas mature from three years of age. They breed just before the onset of the first Caribbean rainy season and the female can clutch from 2 - 30 eggs in her nest which she initially gaurds as they develop over 85 days or so.
At The Zoo
We have an adult male on exhibit who shares his living environment with our sulcata tortoises as they both have similar heat and ultra-violet light requirements.
Habitat
This lizard is only found on the Caribbean islands of Hispaniola. The rhinoceros iguana lives primarily in rocky limestone outcroppings with little vegetation for cover.
Fun Facts
A bony protuberance above the snout gives this lizard its name as they form a rhino like horn. Males having larger horns than females.
Behaviour
This is a diurnal species. In the wild they are quick to flee when attacked or threatened, they will aggressively attack by biting and repeatedly striking with their thick tail if cornered. Males during the breeding season become very territorial and aggressive