Yellowback Spiny-tailed Iguana
© Silvia Figueroa |
Creature Profile
The Yellowback Spiny-tailed Iguana is a medium-sized lizard known for its rough, spiny tail and striking coloration. Its body is mostly gray or brown, but it has a distinct yellow stripe running down its back, giving it its name. This species has tough, scaly skin that helps protect it from predators and harsh environments. Like other iguanas, it has strong legs for climbing and a long tail covered in sharp spines, which it uses for defense against predators.
This iguana is native to Central America, primarily found in southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. It lives in dry forests, rocky areas, and scrublands, where it can easily hide among the rocks and vegetation. The Yellowback Spiny-tailed Iguana is a diurnal species, meaning it is active during the day, often basking in the sun to warm up. It reproduces by laying eggs, with females digging burrows in sandy or loose soil to lay their eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the young iguanas must fend for themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.
The Yellowback Spiny-tailed Iguana is considered a threatened species due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting. Deforestation for agriculture and human development is reducing the places where these iguanas can live. Additionally, they are sometimes captured and sold in the pet trade. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting their natural habitats and preventing illegal capture. Some organizations are also working on breeding programs to help increase their population. Educating local communities about the importance of protecting this species is another key step in ensuring its survival.
Wikipedia Article
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Wikipedia Article Copyright Notice: This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Ctenosaura flavidorsalis". |
March 3, 2025
Mugo, C. R. 2025. "Earth's Endangered Creatures - Yellowback Spiny-tailed Iguana Facts" (Online). Accessed 6/6/2026 at https://earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?sp=2494&ID=5.
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