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Rhinoceros Iguana

Cyclura cornuta

Range

found only on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea

Habitat

dry forest, scrub, or desert

Distinguishing Characteristics

Large size scales on the head, which look like horns, thus the name. Males are larger than females and have larger “horns.”

Dietary Classification

Diet in the Zoo: greens, other veggies, and fruit

Diet in the Wild: They are herbivorous, eating a variety of leaves, fruits, flowers, and seeds.

Life Span

20 years or more in captivity

Behavior/Adaptations

* They are behavioral heliotherms, meaning that they will adjust their activity pattern to utilize solar radiation to regulate body temperature.
* In an attempt to attract and dominate the female, males will use head bobs and nods as part of their mating behavior. They will also use the bobs and nods to scare away predators.
 

Status

threatened, due to human encroachment upon, and destruction of, its natural habitat

Classification

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family	Genus	Species
Animalia	Chordata	Reptilia	Squamata	Iguanidae	Cyclura	cornuta