Roatán spiny-tailed iguana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ctenosaura oedirhina |
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Ctenosaura
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oedirhina
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The Roatán spiny-tailed iguana, also called Ctenosaura oedirhina, is a special kind of lizard. It belongs to the Iguanidae family, which includes many types of iguanas. This iguana is also sometimes called de Queiroz's spiny-tailed iguana.
This unique lizard lives only in one place: the island of Roatán in Honduras. Roatán is a beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea. The Roatán iguana is a medium-sized lizard. It has a rounded snout and small crests, which are like tiny spikes, on its back. These iguanas can grow to be about 15 to 32.5 centimeters long, not counting their tail.
Where the Roatán Iguana Lives
The Roatán spiny-tailed iguana makes its home in specific places. It prefers subtropical or tropical dry forests. These are warm areas with trees and plants that don't need a lot of rain all the time. These forests provide the perfect environment for the iguanas to find food and shelter.
Protecting the Roatán Iguana
Sadly, the Roatán spiny-tailed iguana is in danger. It is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means there are not many of these iguanas left in the wild.
The biggest threat to these iguanas is habitat loss. This happens when the forests where they live are destroyed or changed. People might cut down trees for building, or clear land for farms and homes. When their habitat disappears, the iguanas lose their homes and places to find food. Protecting their forest homes is very important to help these amazing lizards survive.
See also
In Spanish: Ctenosaura oedirhina para niños
