Iguana

Iguana is a genus of lizard native to tropical areas of Central and South America and the Caribbean. (A few species of iguanas like the Fiji Banded Iguana are however found outside the New World). The genus was first described by Austrian naturalist Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti in his book Specimen Medicum, Exhibens Synopsin Reptilium Emendatam cum Experimentis circa Venena in 1768. The genus Iguana includes two species: the Green Iguana, which is widespread throughout its range and a popular pet, and the Lesser Antillean Iguana, which is endemic to the Lesser Antilles and endangered due to habitat destruction.

The word "Iguana" is derived from a Spanish form of the original Taino name for the species "Iwana".