Iguanas are lizards native to tropical areas of Central and South America and the Caribbean. Genus iguana includes the Green Iguana, commonly kept as a pet, and the Lesser Antillean Iguana.
The term "Iguana" can also refer to other members of the lizard family Iguanidae; however, this article only concerns members of the genus iguana.
Iguanas can be considered an invasive species in South Florida and along the gulf coast of Florida, especially on Gasparilla Island (where there is an estimated population of over 12000).citation needed]This is due to a combination of escaped and intentionally released iguanas which have survived and then thrived in their new habitat. They commonly hide in the attics of houses and on beaches and often destroy gardens. As an introduced species, they contribute to natural habitat loss, spread salmonella, and may be responsible for the recent decline of the gopher tortoise.citation needed] An interesting thing is that they can by unknown means end their own life, probably by releasing toxins.citation needed]