Where ever you go in the tropics there are lizards, the tiny ones are impossible to keep outdoors and cling to the walls, the larger ones bathe in the sun and live up in the trees. Lizards are excellent climbers and get themselves into all sorts of situations. These Iguanas were found in Costa Rica and Grenada, two countries on the opposite side of the Caribbean sea.
Iguanas have limited ability to change colour, while not as fast as a Chameleon can they certainly do blend in to their surroundings. This one took the same colour as the tree and no it is not a juvenile being over three four long. They also change colour depending on their mood, temperature and the time of year.
This is not an iguana, and we found it by the pool. Since my lens is more suitable for taking photos during the day we had to find lizards that were active or out during the day. They're easy to spot if they are big or moving but it is very easy for these creatures to blend into their surroundings.
Iguanas are cold blooded so they bask in the sun for energy and warmth. They don't deal well with freezing temperatures so they only live in the tropical regions of the world. As you can see this one is less green because it is on a roof and wouldn't want to be snatched by an eagle.
There is no food up here but plenty of sun. It was overcast this day and raining at times but the lizards don't seem to mind. We were at a thermal spa and clearly not the only ones soaking up the sun.
There were hundreds of lizards about, the smaller ones hide in the trees and shrubs. Larger lizards bully them, these are herbivores but they are still very territorial and everything and everyone is a threat.
When iguanas want to intimidate they puff up, drop that thing below their head to look bigger and start bobbing up and down. As you approach them, they scurry off. Iguanas are eaten in many parts of the world and humans are the biggest enemies of the larger lizards.
Going into a spiky flower bush after a lizard would be a harsh lesson learned. They can scurry through cracks, get into tight places and are incredible climbers.
Every day, almost everywhere we looked there were lizards enjoy the tropical vibes of the Caribbean. I rarely see lizards up in Alberta so it is nice to change things up once and awhile. Thank you for reading and have a nice weekend.
All photos were taken with a sony zv-e10 with a sony fe 24-105mm f/4 g lens and are unfiltered
