Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) are among the most recognizable and fascinating reptiles, known for their vibrant green coloration, which can vary from bright lime to a more muted olive tone. These iguanas are native to Central and South America, where they inhabit tropical rainforests, coastal areas, and sometimes urban environments. Despite their name, not all green iguanas are purely green; they can exhibit a range of colors depending on their age, mood, and environmental conditions, including bluish hues, reds, or even orange during the breeding season. One of their most distinctive features is the large dewlap under their chin, which they use for thermoregulation and communication, such as during territorial displays or mating rituals. Their long, whip-like tail, which can make up more than half of their total body length, is a powerful defense mechanism that they can use to deliver painful strikes to predators.

Another fascinating aspect of Green Iguanas is their highly specialized diet and digestive system. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a diet of leaves, flowers, fruits, and occasionally other plant matter. In the wild, their diet consists of a variety of foliage from different plant species, which provides them with the necessary nutrients. Their digestive system is adapted to breaking down this fibrous plant material, thanks to the presence of special bacteria in their gut that helps ferment the tough cellulose in their food. This process is vital for extracting sufficient nutrients, especially given the low energy content of their diet. Additionally, Green Iguanas are known for their arboreal lifestyle, spending much of their time in the canopy of trees. They are excellent climbers, using their strong limbs and sharp claws to navigate the branches, where they bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature and escape ground-based predators. Their arboreal habits, combined with their unique adaptations, make Green Iguanas a remarkable species both in the wild and in captivity.