Giant desert iguana (SciiFii)

The giant desert iguana (Psudeoconolophus arizonensis) is a species of lizard in the family Iguanidae, most closely related to the North American spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura americanum), that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the arid scrublands and deserts across mainland North America and Central America to help boost biodiversity. The giant desert iguanas grow to a length of 0.9 to 1.5 meters (3–5 feet) with a body weight of up to 11 kilograms (25 lb), hence their names. Being cold-blooded, they absorb heat from the sun by basking on scrub and desert rock, and at night sleep in burrows to conserve their body heat. These iguanas also enjoy a symbiotic relationship with birds; the birds remove parasites and ticks, providing relief to the iguanas and food for the birds. Giant desert iguanas are primarily herbivorous; however, some individuals have shown that they are opportunistic carnivores supplementing their diet with insects, centipedes and carrion. Because fresh water is scarce on its arid scrub and desert habitats, the giant desert iguana obtains the majority of its moisture from the prickly-pear cactus, which makes up 80% of its diet. Giant desert iguanas become sexually mature anywhere between seven and eleven years of age. Mating season also varies, but soon after mating, the females migrate to sandy areas to nest, laying 9–30 eggs in a burrow about 50 cm (20 inches) deep. The eggs hatch anywhere from 80 to 95 days later. The giant desert iguana has a 70 to 95 year lifespan. The conservation status of the giant desert iguana is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the giant desert iguana's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii