Iguanas are poisonous: how to live next to a dangerous "neighbor"?

What just do not come up with lovers of exotics! Some arrange in apartments tropics, growing on the windowsill of orchids. Many are bred in aquariums of bright tropical fish, among which there are also quite dangerous specimens. Extremes settle next to themselves predators, for example, bears or tigers. And many lovers of exotic animals dream of having a lizard at home, preferably large and dangerous.

Recently, the treatment of people who have been wounded or bitten by an iguana, a large wood lizard, which normally lives in Mexico, Central America, Brazil and even in Hawaii, has become more frequent in medical institutions. And today it is gradually moving to our apartments. The bites and scratches made by this animal are quite dangerous, for iguanas are poisonous. It is assumed that annually about 15,000 young individuals fall into the hands of domestic fans. How can one co-exist with such a dangerous "neighbor" if she still won her living space next to you?

Descendants of ancient lizards

Paleontological finds suggest that lizards have appeared long ago. Today there are more than 4000 species on earth, which are united into 20 families, among them are iguanas. They spread throughout the globe, except with the exception of cold belts. In most cases, lizards live on the surface of the earth, sometimes burrow into the sand or climb trees. Some reptiles live in the soil, others - at the surf line. There are individuals who lead a daily life, and some move, hunt and eat only at night. Insects and their larvae, arachnids, mollusks and worms, and sometimes small vertebrates - this is the main food of lizards.

Who is this poisonous neighbor?

The green poisonous iguana, which is most often found in terrariums of animal lovers, in nature usually lives in virgin deciduous forests. She especially likes to settle on trees that grow near the water, because in case of danger she can jump into the river at any moment.

The adult iguana is very large, it can weigh up to 5 kg and grow up to two meters, and half its length is its powerful tail. Short powerful paws with sharp claws help them to climb beautifully through trees, and the tail is used for swimming and protection.

Males are much larger than females and have more massive forms and a bright color. Young individuals have a bright green color, which helps them to perfectly camouflage themselves in the foliage of trees. Usually they do not change color, but some areas of the skin vary color widely, depending on temperature, light, food, stress, aggression or various diseases: from light to dark shades.

Conditions of detention

Because iguanas are poisonous, in captivity they are kept in terrariums. This, of course, to some extent affects the appearance of the reptile. The length of the body can be different, because it is also connected with the conditions of detention.

What should be the terrarium for the iguana? Since this is a climbing animal, the height is more important to it than the area. But the terrarium must still be spacious, with a large number of branches and shelters. After all, the iguana should move freely, climb, hide. Having received a small animal, do not immediately acquire a large terrarium, one for life. Small iguanas differ from adults in size, and their temperament, and behavior, so with the growth of the animal, the conditions for his residence must change.

Nursing should, of course, adults, since iguanas are poisonous. The terrarium is selected so that it can be easily serviced, maintained at a constant temperature, set a pool with warm water. In the upper tier you can fix artificial or living, but not poisonous plants. Pay great attention to humidity, lighting, ventilation, additional ultraviolet radiation and feeding.

If the iguana-baby has settled in the house, then during adaptation it is necessary to place it in a quiet corner: during this period, she needs rest. Although iguanas are poisonous, but the tamed animal can be safely released from the terrarium. During the walk, you need to ensure his safety: remove the children, cats and dogs far away, try to ensure that the reptile walks only under supervision. Otherwise it can be scared or it can fall from a great height, for example, from a landing or a balcony.

The iguana is one of the most interesting animals. If she begins to trust people and be friends with them, you can learn about her a lot of interesting things. Which ones? Tell you another time.