Rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura cornuta)
Also known as: horned ground iguana
The common name of this massive, heavily built iguana is inspired by the several enlarged, horn-like scales on its snout, resembling the horns of a rhinoceros. These are more prominent in males, and are accompanied in both sexes by two distinctive, round pads of fatty tissue crowning the head. Rough scales cover the body, which is uniformly greyish-brown, olive-green, or even black in colour, lacking the bright colours that adorn several other iguana species. This sombre colouration helps camouflage the animal against the rocks and scrub of its habitat. |
