Size: Length; 60-120cm including tail. Weight; 4.5-9 kg.

Habitat and Distribution: Typically found in dry scrubland and forest near the coast on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic) and the surrounding islands. However, human activity is forcing this species inland and it can now be found in a wide range of habitats including tropical rainforests.

Age: 20 years.

Groups and Breeding: The males have a territory, which they vigorously defend against other males. The strongest males will have the largest territory, with good hiding places, nice spots for basking in the sun, and access to females.

This species breeds once at year at the start of the rainy season in April/ May. The female lays up to 34 eggs in a nest cavity or a burrow up to 1 metre long around 40 days after mating. The female will guard the eggs for over a week after laying and they hatch 85 days later.

Diet: Mostly leaves, flowers and fruit with occasional insects, land crabs, eggs and carrion.

• The female lays eggs in burrows which ensure that they remain at a temperature above 30C. If the temperature falls below this the eggs will not hatch.
• Males, and occasionally females, are very territorial and will attempt to intimidate other males with body gyrations and head movement. Similar behaviour is exhibited to attract females or to frighten predators.
• The Rhinoceros Iguana gets its name from the three horn-like outgrowths on its nose, especially noticeable on the males.
• This species is under threat due to habitat destruction (in Haiti nearly all of the native forest has been destroyed) and the introduction of feral animals such as cats and dogs to the islands.
• Rhinoceros Iguanas are sometimes eaten as food due to their size and the relative ease with which they can be caught.
• This species spends most of its time on the ground but can actually climb trees to reach fruit.