Desert iguanas live in the Mojave Desert in southern Nevada, as well as several Gulf of California islands. They prefer dry rocky, brushy areas with plenty of areas they can hide.They seem to prefer a specific type of brush, creosote bush, and are rarely seen in a location that does not have this bush. In the southern portion of their range, these lizards live in areas of arid subtropical scrub and tropical deciduous forests.

They are polygynous, meaning that one male will mate with more than one female. Breeding takes place in the early spring. It is believed that only one clutch of eggs in laid each year, with each clutch having 3-8 eggs. The hatchlings usually emerge around September, and are fully developed at birth and are able to fend for themselves.

Under human care the lifespan of a Desert Iguana is roughly 14 years while in the wild its around 7 years of age, due to predators, disease, and lack of food and water.

Fun Facts

They are mainly terrestrial but are very skilled climbers.