Facts about Desert Iguana

1. 07

   During mating season from April to June, male desert iguanas engage in head-bobbing displays and push-up movements to establish dominance and attract females.

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2. 06

   Adult desert iguanas typically measure 10 to 16 inches in total length, with males growing slightly larger than females in most populations.

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3. 05

   Desert iguanas possess a specialized nasal gland that excretes excess salt, allowing them to survive in arid environments with minimal freshwater access.

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4. 04

   Clutches of desert iguana eggs typically contain 3 to 8 eggs, which incubate for approximately 60 to 75 days in warm desert sand before hatchlings emerge.

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5. 03

   Desman plant seeds comprise up to 90 percent of the desert iguana's diet during spring months in the southwestern United States.

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6. 02

   The desert iguana can run at speeds up to 21 miles per hour when evading predators across sandy terrain.

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7. 01

   Temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit cause desert iguanas to seek shade, as their optimal body temperature ranges between 100 and 110 degrees.

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