The length of an adult iguana varies between 10 and 16 inches. A distinguishing feature is its long tail which is longer than the iguana’s body. Its body is round and large and is often referred to as blunt headed. The marrakech désert iguana’s color is easily distinguished. The desert iguana’s head is brown in color. A pattern of reddish brown emerges thereafter on the iguana’s body and resembles a net. Furthermore, the iguana’s trunk and neck have gray spots. Additionally, their tails, which are either white or gray, are covered in dark spots. The back is covered in dorsal scales that run down the center.
2. Habitat of Choice
The desert is home to the desert iguana, as can be inferred from its name. In the United States, the Mojave and Sonoran deserts in the southwest are locations where desert iguanas are commonly found. They can also be found on a few islands on the Gulf of California and in Northwest Mexico. The desert iguana also dwells in deciduous forests and some arid subtropical areas in the Southern areas of its habitat. The creosote bush is of particular importance to the desert iguana since it uses this plant for both food and shelter. It is thus commonly found near where these bushes grow. Lairs abandoned by kangaroo rats also provide shelter to the desert iguanas. The desert iguana is a tough creature and may be found to still be active when it is hot despite retreat by other lizards. The ground around creosote bushes is a common burrowing site for the iguana.
3. Diet
The desert iguana eats plants and can thus be classified as a herbivorous animal. They feed on the various annual or perennial plants that can be found in their habitats. The leaves, buds and fruits of these plants provide its meals. They have a bias towards the creosote plant as they are attracted to this particular plants yellow flower.
4. Habits
In a bid to find lower temperatures, the desert iguana usually climbs bushes. This however, is only if the temperature is very high as they are very hardy and are often active during high temperatures. It is a very fast animal and when it needs to move fast, it moves forward by pushing itself forward with its rear legs whilst folding its front legs. They may be spotted crossing a road right before an approaching car.
5. Predators
The desert iguana is comparable to other animals as it has its own natural enemies. Iguana eggs are eaten by many animals. Several birds of prey hunt the iguana and as such are some of its natural enemies. Other common predators of the iguana include foxes and other small animals such as rats, weasels and snakes. Man has also emerged as one of the iguanas’ natural enemies. Vehicles driven carelessly by human beings lead to the death of this animal and thereafter the latter are referred to as road kill.
