Description:
Scientific name: Ctenosaura melanosterna
Life span: Unknown
Iguanidae is the family of lizards that includes Ctenosaura melanosterna, also referred to as the black-chested spiny-tailed iguana or Honduras spiny-tailed iguana. Despite being shielded by Honduras’ national ban on iguana hunting, they are nonetheless threatened by illegal meat and egg poaching. For the conservation of these species, management, monitoring, habitat protection, environmental education, and the implementation of protection legislation are required.
Native Region/Habitat
Both the Honduran mainland and two of the Cayos Cochinos islands off the Caribbean coast are home to this rare species. Dry subtropical or tropical forests are its natural habitat.
Behavior:
While being more terrestrial than arboreal, this iguana can climb and likes to sunbathe under Cliffside trees or among rocks. They are social animals who reside in colonies run by the dominant male.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Human activity is the primary threat to Ctenosaura melanosterna because people steal these iguanas and their eggs to eat. Thus, there is no knowledge about keeping an endangered species as a pet.
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