Published October 26, 2018 | Animal Knowledge, Animals

Native to the jungles of Central and South America and the Carribean, iguanas are one of the most beautiful reptiles that are popular to be taken as a pet.

Although harmless when taken home for the first few days, iguanas tend to be aggressive as they get comfortable in their new place. Here are some interesting facts you should know about the iguana:

Iguanas petting at Bali Safari Park

  • Iguanas have incredible eye sight. With this advantage, they can easily detect their prey and predators within extremely long distances. It helps them to target their prey, and also hide away from their predators, before getting noticed.
  • Another interesting fact is that the iguana communicate through visual gestures. With their outstanding eyesight, iguanas “talk” to each other through a series of eye movements that are easily received by others.
  • Although iguanas spend most of their time in the canopy of forests, they are also able to adapt easily in open areas. They descend to the forest floor only when they need to mate, lay their eggs or change trees. However, as they can swim, they also tend to prefer inhabiting a water environment. When they feel threatened, they can easily jump off a tree and dive underwater to avoid their predators.

Secret About Iguanas at Bali Safari Park

  • Although iguanas make wonderful pets, taming them can be a challenge. At first, they seem to be submissive. This can be due to the fact that they’re intimated by their new environment. However, as they get comfortable, iguanas will then reveal their true self. They will most likely show aggression. Pet owners will need to patiently and consistently handle them as they grow larger.
  • Taming them really needs patience. They need time to trust you and, of course, trust does not happen overnight. Generally, it may take months or more.
  • Iguanas do bite people, but only in self-defense. Their sharp teeth are specifically created to tear plants apart, but could be really painful to humans. Fortunately, they give a warning before doing so. It will stand up on its legs, lean forward, and bob its head as a sign that they feel threatened.
  • Aside from their teeth, you should also watch out for their powerful tail that can be very sharp when whipped against your skin. In addition, iguanas also have extremely sharp claws.

Want to get up close to this exotic reptile? Visit the Bali Safari Park in Gianyar, Bali.  See iguanas and other wild animals from around the world as they roam freely in wide, open spaces, very much like the wild African savanna.