Habitat of Desert Iguanas

Climate

• Desert iguanas are named appropriately; they require a dry desert-like climate in order to thrive. They are diurnal, remaining active in temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not uncommon to find them sunning themselves in the hot desert sun in the middle of the day. If temperatures become too high, they will seek refuge underground, often in the burrows of the kangaroo rat. They hibernate during the winter when temperatures drop too low to maintain sufficient body temperature to regulate necessary bodily functions.

Range

• Their range encompasses a large amount of the North American southwest, including southern California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Desert iguanas can also be found in northern Mexico, Baja California and on some of the islands found in the Gulf of California.

Food

• These lizards are dependent on the creosote bush as their primary food source. This greatly influences their range. Not only do the yellow flowers of this bush provide food, but the iguanas burrow beneath the plant's roots for shelter from the severe heat and potential predators. While desert iguanas are classified as vegetarians, they have been known to also eat insects.

Reproduction

• Desert iguanas typically lay two clutches of three to eight eggs per year. They bury these eggs in soft sandy soil May through July. Their young emerge from the underground nest near the end of July into August.

Threats

• Currently (as of 2011), desert iguanas are not classified as threatened or endangered. Their primary natural predators include snakes, birds of prey, foxes and coyotes. Humans also pose a significant risk to these lizards. It is not uncommon for them to be hit by automobiles as they bask on roadways. They are also collected to be sold in the pet trade.