| One of the largest of all the iguanas, rhinoceros | | | | should reach around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Additional |
| iguanas can reach four feet in length. Their name is | | | | heat may be supplied by a spotlight, heat tape or |
| attributed to the three horn-like outgrowths on the | | | | any under-tank heaters. Hot rocks are not |
| end of their nose. They are gray or olive green in | | | | recommended for they can damage your iguana's |
| color, with dark cross bands, which blends in with the | | | | skin and may even cause serious burns. |
| rocks of their natural habitat. As cold-blooded reptiles, | | | | Lighting is a must for iguanas. Full-spectrum bulbs help |
| these iguanas must warm up under the sun before | | | | produce Vitamin D3 helping iguanas in their calcium |
| being active during the day (diurnal.) Iguanas of the | | | | absorption. However, recent studies show that no |
| cyclura genus are found on many Caribbean islands, | | | | artificial lighting can ever duplicate the benefits |
| but the rhinoceros iguana is found only in the islands | | | | derived from natural sunlight. It is therefore |
| of Haiti and the Dominican republic. | | | | recommended that iguanas be exposed to natural |
| Rhinoceros iguanas eat leaves, flowers and fruit. | | | | sunlight on a regular basis. Natural sunlight coupled |
| They have been observed to eat insects, land crabs, | | | | with good diet is the cheaper way to raise rhino |
| eggs. They are normally ground dwelling lizard, but | | | | iguana. Be wary though not to expose the iguana to |
| they will climb trees at times to eat leaves and fruits. | | | | sunlight while inside the aquarium as the temperature |
| They are primarily found near coastlines of Hispaniola | | | | rise inside may be lethal. |
| in Haiti. However, due to due human civilization, many | | | | Proper feeding must always be a major consideration |
| were forced to relocate inland. Majority of the | | | | in handling your rhino iguanas. Always remember that |
| populations live in the southern portions of the | | | | the health and well-being of your pet iguana will |
| Dominican Republic. Smaller populations live in | | | | largely depend on the kind of food that you give |
| neighboring Haiti. They are protected and a | | | | them. Iguanas require a diet rich in Vitamin D3, |
| threatened species in the Dominican Republic. In Haiti, | | | | calcium and phosphorus. Good source for these are |
| where they are sometimes hunted for food or local | | | | greens such as mustard greens, dandelion greens and |
| trade. | | | | turnip greens. Iguanas are by nature, herbivores. |
| Habitat destruction and hunting for food and trade | | | | They are plant eaters. Dog food, cat food and |
| constitutes the largest threat to the rhinoceros | | | | human food should be avoided. These are not good |
| iguana. | | | | for the iguanas and can result to kidney failure at |
| Caring for Rhino Iguanas as Pets | | | | their young age. Broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts and |
| A rhino iguana may require a standard 30 - 50 gallon | | | | cabbages can be given but in small amounts. These |
| tank. But as it grows, a custom-built cage may be | | | | vegetables can cause thyroid problem if frequently |
| necessary. The size of the cage will depend on the | | | | given. Spinach is also not good for them, it binds |
| size of the iguana. To compute for the ideal size for | | | | calcium. Other vegetables such as zucchini and |
| a particular iguana: cage length is one and one half of | | | | squash, and other fruits, like raspberries, blackberries |
| the lizard length; width is two thirds of the lizard | | | | and bananas can be added to their diet. |
| length; height may be equal to the lizard length. A | | | | While it is important to monitor the temperature |
| higher cage though may be preferred as iguanas love | | | | surrounding of the rhino iguana, it is equally important |
| to climb and stay up. Branches may be set-up inside | | | | to check on the humidity. They need water and |
| the cage for their climbing necessities. Choose | | | | humidity. Regular misting or a humidifier will help |
| branches that will match the size your iguana. | | | | maintain humidity to proper level. Ideally, enclosures |
| Rhino iguanas need to heat their bodies to properly | | | | should maintain humidity level of about 95 - 100 |
| digest food and to help them fight diseases. A | | | | percent. A gauge which monitors both temperature |
| thermometer may be used to monitor the | | | | and humidity can help address this monitoring. |
| temperature in any enclosed area. Ideal temperature | | | | |