Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana |
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| Conservation status | |
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Cachryx
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| Species: |
defensor
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The Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana (Cachryx defensor) is a special kind of lizard. It belongs to the Iguanidae family, which includes many types of iguanas. This iguana is only found in one place: the northern part of Yucatán, Mexico. This means it is endemic to that area, making it quite unique!
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Where the Yucatán Spiny-Tailed Iguana Lives
The Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana makes its home in tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests. Imagine a warm, dry forest with many different kinds of trees. This is the perfect habitat for these lizards. They like places where they can find good spots to bask in the sun and hide from predators.
Why This Iguana Needs Our Help
Sadly, the Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana is facing some challenges. It is considered a "vulnerable" species. This means its numbers are going down, and it could be in danger of disappearing if we don't help. The biggest problem for these iguanas is habitat loss. Their forest homes are being cut down or changed for other uses, like building farms or towns. When their habitat shrinks, it's harder for them to find food, shelter, and safe places to live.
An Unexpected Journey to the United States
Sometimes, animals travel to surprising places! On July 29, 2010, a Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana had an amazing adventure. A foot-long iguana was found at a Ford Motor Company factory in Sterling Heights, Michigan, in the United States.
How the Iguana Traveled So Far
This little traveler was a "stowaway." It had hidden inside crates of car parts that were shipped all the way from the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico. Imagine its surprise when it arrived in Michigan!
A New Home at the Detroit Zoo
After its long journey, the iguana was taken to the Detroit Zoo. It found a new, safe home there. It even got to share its enclosure with a female black iguana. This story shows how animals can sometimes end up far from their natural homes, often by accident!
See also
In Spanish: Iguana yucateca de cola espinosa para niños
