Green iguana

• Large lizard up to 2m long (including tail), average weight 4–6kg but can reach 9kg.
• Dewlap under throat is prominent, larger in males.
• Crest of robust dermal spines runs from neck to tail.
• Head has set of large scales on each side.
• Tympanum (hearing structure) has membrane covering.
• Tail is long, tapering, variably ringed.
• Colour ranges from green to brown, orange and bluish-green.

• Prefers tropical and subtropical rainforest, riparian vegetation and urban parks with readily available water source.

• No feral populations recorded in Queensland.
• Limited number of green iguanas kept under permit by zoos.
• Illegally kept green iguanas are occasionally detected and humanely destroyed.

• Life expectancy 8 years for wild animals, 20 years for captive.
• Sexually mature at 3–4 years.
• Females can store sperm for several years.
• Eggs are laid once a year in clutches of 20–70.
• Eggs hatch after 90–120 days.
• Juveniles stay with family groups for 1 year.

Environmental

• Can compete with native species such as eastern water dragons for resources.
• Can overgraze native flora and spread weed seed.

Social

• Can injure people with tail slaps, bites and scratches.

• If you see or are in possession of a green iguana, contact our Customer Service Centre within 24 hours.

• The green iguana is a prohibited invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• You must not keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
• You must not take any action reasonably likely to exacerbate the biosecurity threat posed by green iguanas.
• You must take any action that is reasonably likely to minimise the biosecurity threat posed by green iguanas.
• You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.