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Black-chested spiny-tailed iguana facts for kids

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Ctenosaura melanosterna
Honduran spinytailed iguana.jpg
Black-chested spiny-tailed iguana
Conservation status
CITES Appendix II (CITES)
Scientific classification
Genus:
Ctenosaura
Species:
melanosterna
Ctenosaura melanosterna distribution.png
Kemba - Ctenosaura melanosterna - Tiergarten Schönbrunn 3
Ctenosaura melanosterna in the Vienna Zoo

The black-chested spiny-tailed iguana (scientific name: Ctenosaura melanosterna) is a type of lizard in the Iguanidae family. It is also known as the Honduran spiny-tailed iguana. This name comes from its home country, Honduras, and the spiny scales on its tail.

Where Does This Iguana Live?

This special iguana lives only in Honduras. You can find it on the main part of the country. It also lives on two small islands called Cayos Cochinos. These islands are off the Caribbean coast of Honduras.

What Kind of Home Does It Like?

The black-chested spiny-tailed iguana likes to live in warm, dry forests. These are often called "subtropical" or "tropical dry forests."

Why Is This Iguana in Danger?

The black-chested spiny-tailed iguana is an endangered species. This means there are not many of them left. Their biggest threat comes from people. Some people illegally hunt these iguanas and collect their eggs to eat.

Another challenge for these iguanas is competition. The Green iguana is a very common lizard in Central America. Green iguanas often compete with the black-chested spiny-tailed iguana for food and places to live.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Jamo negro para niños

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