Belize's Diverse Lizard Population

Belize is home to a diverse range of lizards, from the common green iguana (Iguana iguana) to the black spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis). The country's abundant wildlife and national parks make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. With approximately 40% of the country designated as protected areas, it's no surprise that lizards are far and away the most conspicuous reptiles in Belize. From the riverbanks to the rainforest canopy, these fascinating creatures play an important role in the country's history and ecology. Whether it's the colourful iguanas gracing the dinner tables or the ubiquitous geckos scurrying across walls, lizards are an integral part of life in Belize.

Green iguanas are common in Belize

Green iguanas, scientifically known as Iguana iguana, are indeed common in Belize. They are the largest species of lizard in the country, with adults reaching nearly seven feet in length, including their tails. While they go through various colour changes throughout their lives, they are commonly known as green iguanas.

Green iguanas are native to the tree branches overlooking Belize's rivers, as they dive into the water when startled or threatened by predators. They are excellent swimmers, able to dive beneath the surface and swim long distances. They are also skilled at leaping from branches, using their long, whip-like tails for balance.

The diet of a green iguana varies with age. Juvenile iguanas spend a lot of time on the rainforest floor, hunting for insects, snails, worms, and grubs. As they mature, adult iguanas climb higher into the trees to feed on berries, fruits, leaves, small mammals, and birds. The iguana's diet is primarily herbivorous, consisting of leaves, fruits, berries, and flowers.

The green iguana has played a significant role in Belize's history and ecology. Historically, they were heavily hunted for their meat and eggs, which remain a part of the national diet in certain areas. However, they are now protected by law, and captive breeding programs have been established to ensure their survival.

One unique feature of the green iguana is its "third eye," a transparent membrane in the parietal region of its head. While it cannot form clear images, it can detect shadows and movement, providing an early warning system against predators. This, along with its colouration and long tail, helps the iguana survive in the wild.

Geckos are found everywhere in Belize

One of the most fascinating characteristics of geckos is their ability to climb any smooth surface, thanks to their highly specialized toe pads. These toe pads can have up to 14,000 hair-like setae per square millimeter, enabling them to create electrical attraction and repulsion between molecules, resulting in their remarkable climbing abilities. Additionally, geckos are known for their diet of insects and other arthropods, making them welcome residents in warm climate homes where they feed on mosquitoes and moths.

Another unique gecko species native to Belize is the Belize leaf-toed gecko (Phyllodactylus insularis). This small, pale, large-headed gecko was first described by James R. Dixon in 1960 and is currently classified as "vulnerable" by the IUCN Red List. The Belize leaf-toed gecko is nocturnal and can be found in littoral forests on small islands off the coast of Belize, such as Half Moon Caye, Long Caye, and Ambergris Caye. They emerge from under barks and limbs to feed, and adults are typically found solely on palm trunks.

The presence of geckos in Belize adds to the country's rich reptile diversity, which includes various lizard species such as the brown basilisk, spiny-tailed iguana, and the green iguana. Geckos, with their unique characteristics and ecological roles, contribute to the fascinating herpetofauna of Belize, making them an intriguing subject for both locals and visitors alike.

Iguanas are an important part of Belize's history and ecology

The Green Iguana is an adaptable and resilient species, able to cope with human activity and other predators. They are still abundant along the riverbanks of Belize, where they bask in the sun on rocks or in the tall trees. Sunlight is essential for these cold-blooded creatures, who remain inactive until they are warmed to around 75°F. Once warmed, they become active, hunting, establishing and defending their territory, and mating.

The iguana has a unique defence mechanism, often referred to as a "third eye". This is a transparent membrane, or parietal region, in the back of its head. While it cannot see per se, it can detect shadows and images cast by predators. When the iguana detects a threat, it turns and uses its real eyes to decide its next move. This early warning system has been crucial to the iguana's survival.

The iguana's other defences include its ability to change colour, helping it blend into its surroundings, its long, whip-like tail, and its agility, allowing it to leap from branches into the water and swim beneath the surface. Its tongue and Jacobson's Organ also help it detect and identify molecules in the air, keeping it alert to potential dangers.

The Green Iguana is a vital part of Belize's river habitat. The San Ignacio Resort Hotel has been running a Green Iguana Conservation Project since 1996, aiming to educate people about the importance of this species and give them a closer look at these incredible reptiles.

The country's lizards include the brown basilisk

The Central American country of Belize is home to a diverse range of lizards, including the brown basilisk. Known by the scientific name Basiliscus vittatus, this reptile is a member of the class Reptilia. With a length of up to six feet from nose to tail tip, the brown basilisk is a conspicuous presence in the country's ecosystems.

The brown basilisk is a highly adaptable creature, frequently observed in various habitats across Belize. From the dense rainforests to the riverbanks, this lizard demonstrates an impressive ability to blend into its surroundings. Its scientific name, Basiliscus vittatus, translates to striped basilisk, reflecting the distinctive stripes that adorn its body.

The brown basilisk plays a significant ecological role in Belize. They are active hunters, constantly on the lookout for small prey, including lizards and insects. With their ability to run, climb, and swim, they are well-equipped for navigating the diverse landscapes of the country. The brown basilisk's hunting prowess contributes to maintaining a balance in the ecosystems it inhabits.

In addition to their hunting behaviour, brown basilisks are also known for their unique defensive strategies. When threatened, they can dive into water and swim beneath the surface to evade predators. Their long, whip-like tails also serve as a defence mechanism. Additionally, their colouration provides effective camouflage, allowing them to remain inconspicuous in their environment.

The brown basilisk's sensory capabilities are another fascinating aspect of its biology. They possess a third eye, known as the parietal region, which acts as an early warning system. This translucent membrane allows them to detect shadows and movement, enhancing their awareness of potential threats. The Jacobson's Organ, located in their mouth, further aids in identifying molecules in the air, contributing to their survival instincts.

In conclusion, the brown basilisk is a remarkable lizard species found in Belize. Its presence significantly contributes to the country's ecological diversity and showcases the intricate adaptations that enable its survival in various habitats. From its hunting strategies to its sensory capabilities, the brown basilisk exemplifies the fascinating behaviours of lizards in Belize.

The black spiny-tailed iguana is another native species

The black spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis) is another native species found in Belize. This iguana is also known as the spiny-tailed black iguana or the black iguana, and it is abundant along the riverbanks of Belize. They like to hang out in the tallest trees along the rivers and can often be spotted sunning themselves on rocks. Black spiny-tailed iguanas can grow up to five or six feet from nose to tail tip, and they play an important role in the history and ecology of Belize.

The iguana's diet consists mainly of leaves, fruits, berries, and flowers, and they can be found in a variety of colours, including green, black, brown, and orange. The female iguana, for example, takes on the colour of bark or wood, a combination of green, black, and brown when she is ready to mate, which is usually around December to February in Belize.

Like other iguanas, the black spiny-tailed iguana has a third eye, known as the parietal region, which is a transparent membrane in the back of its head. This early warning system helps the iguana detect shadows and images cast by predators, allowing it to turn its head and use its real eyes to decide whether to flee, fight, or stay put.

In addition to its sensory capabilities, the black spiny-tailed iguana has other defences, such as its colouration, which helps it blend into the surrounding forest, its long, whip-like tail, and its ability to leap off branches, dive into water, and swim beneath the surface.

The black spiny-tailed iguana is just one example of the many fascinating lizard species that can be found in Belize, showcasing the country's impressive biological diversity.

Frequently asked questions