Red Iguana Pet: Care, Size, Lifespan, and Habitat

Even though the green iguana is the most popular pet, more and more people are starting to take an interest in the red iguana. The main reason for the attention focused on the red iguana is its unique color.

If a red iguana is going to be your first pet iguana, you need to gather as much information as possible before bringing the little one home. Much misinformation is floating around on the internet about iguanas in general and the red iguana in particular.

Origin and Natural Habitat of Red Iguana

Red iguanas, formally known as the Iguana iguana, are actually a subspecies of green iguana. They get their stunning red or fiery orange color through selective breeding, much like how dog breeds are developed.

They come from the lush, tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Picture this: vast, dense canopies of trees, the air echoing with the chorus of various animals, and the gentle humidity that wraps around you like a warm blanket. This is where our red iguana friends hail from.

They’ve been around these parts for centuries, thriving in the warm, humid environment, and their bodies have beautifully adapted to their surroundings.

Red iguanas, like their green counterparts, are natural climbers. Their strong, agile limbs and long claws help them grip onto tree branches and trunks, perfect for scaling the towering trees of the rainforest.

Now, why does this matter to us? Well, when we bring these fiery beauties into our homes, it’s essential to remember that they need vertical space for climbing and basking. Think of tall cages and plenty of branches or perches.

Physical Appearance of Red Iguanas