Details
Cyclura cornuta
The rhinoceros iguana is a large iguana of Neotropical drylands and forest. Diurnal and solitary, it feeds mainly on plants.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses dry Caribbean rocky areas, scrub, and coastal woodland. Basking rocks, burrows, and low vegetation are important.
Length is about 60-120 cm and weight about 4.5-9 kg. A heavy body, dorsal spines, and horn-like knobs on the snout give it its name.
It basks and feeds by day, resting in burrows or rock crevices. Males use head bobs and body postures to signal territories.
It is herbivorous, eating leaves, flowers, fruit, and cactus. Plant matter dominates, though occasional other foods may be taken.
Females dig nests in sand or soil and lay eggs. Hatchlings grow while hiding among low vegetation and rocks.
Its status is listed as Endangered. A limited range makes habitat change and introduced animals serious concerns.
