Search for clues by moving your mouse around in the blank space below, then submit your answer and solve the mystery!
Mystry Clue #1: I am native to Cuba.
Mystery Clue #2: I eat vegetables and I like it when you rub my belly.
Mystery Clue #3: I am a Reptile that lives near the ocean.
The creature in the mystery photo is Ricky, a Cuban Rock Iguana. She was brought into the classroom by Matt, an HSMB instructor during his lecture on Vertebrates. Like most reptiles, she too has scaly skin which we all were able to experience first hand. Cuban Rock Iguanas are found not only on Cuba, but Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands too.
They can grow up to 3 feet long and are typically grey to light green with dark bands running vertically on their sides. These Iguanas are close relatives of the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana which is very endangered. It is believed that only about 30 individuals of the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana live in the wild.
In contrast, the World Conservation Union classifies the Cuban Rock Iguana as ‘vulnerable’ because of habitat loss.
Did You Know?
* The Cuban iguana is a subspecies of the West Indies iguana.
* The average lifespan of this iguana is 25 – 40 years.
* Shedd’s two Cuban iguanas were born in California Aug. 24th, 1986 and were acquired from the Milwaukee County Zoo in 2007.
* Iguanas can store large quantities of fat in their lower jaw and neck.
* Cuban iguanas can swim if necessary, and can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes.
