Evidence: Green iguana (Iguana iguana) husbandry, health & nutrition
Source: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01. Queries covered husbandry, health/disease/parasitology, and nutrition/feeding for Iguana iguana. The cluster returns 12 representative studies with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each study is traceable by PMID.
Studies
- PMID 41749246 (2026, BMC veterinary research) — First report of an iridophoroma in a Tegu (Salvator merianae).. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>This case report describes the clinical and histological findings of a rare periocular iridophoroma in a tegu.<h4>Case presentation</h4>Iridophoroma is a rare type of chromatophoroma, a tumor that arises from iridophores, specialized pigment cells responsible for reflecting light. This case report describes a 6-year-old male Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) presented with a large, irregular, proliferative mass in the periocular region. The mass originated from the upper left eyelid, partially covering the ocular surface, and measured 2.5 cm in diameter. The patient was referred to the department of Surgery and Intensive care for mass removal and underwent two separate surgical resections. Fine needle aspiration from the structure revealed the diagnosis of iridophoroma, which was later confirmed through histology. This case aims to broaden current knowledge in reptile medicine by presenting an iridophoroma in Salvator merianae, highlighting its clinical presentation, cytological features, and histopathological aspects.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This case represents the first documented occurrence of an iridophoroma in a tegu, highlighting the need for increased awareness and precision in diagnosing tumors in reptiles. The findings demonsrate the importance of paraclinical investigations, such as histopathology, not only in confirming rare conditions but also in differentiating iridophoromas from other potential diagnoses, such as squamous cell carcinoma, papilloma, or melanophoroma. Accurate identification is crucial for guiding appropriate treatment and improving outcomes in reptile medicine.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41749246/
- PMID 42064744 (2026, microPublication biology) — An analysis of the bacterial and fungal diversity of the fecal material of gopher tortoises.. Abstract (opening): The gopher tortoise ( <i>Gopherus polyphemus</i> ) is listed in the State of Florida as a threatened species. It is well known that the microbiota of the host is imperative to health promotion and disease mitigation. The diversity of the gut microbiota of the tortoise has not been extensively surveyed. In this study, we examined both the bacterial and fungal diversity in the fecal material of this animal using bacterial tag-encoded flexible-Titanium (FLX) amplicon pyrosequencing (bTEFAP) and fungal tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing. In the six samples, there were 16 total bacterial phyla identified with Bacillota (54.55 to 86.13%) as the most dominant and two fungal phyla identified with Ascomycota (79.64 to 97.32%) as the most predominant. Interestingly, the pathogenic fungus <i>Candida tropicalis</i> was detected in all samples suggesting the tortoise could be a reservoir of zoonotic fungi.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42064744/
- PMID 41472398 (2026, Anatomia, histologia, embryologia) — The Cardiovascular Anatomy of the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana): Heart Structure, Major Vessels, and Coelomic Circulation.. Abstract (opening): The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a neotropical lizard with ecological significance due to its role in seed dispersal. Detailed anatomical studies of the circulatory system of this species remain scarce. The aim of this study was to describe the heart, major blood vessels, and coelomic circulation in this species. Four male and two female cadavers were received from environmental authorities, preserved with soft embalming techniques and injected with latex injection. The sinus venosus, positioned dorsally, lacked internal septa and drained into the right atrium via a bicuspid sinoatrial valve. The ventricular sub chambers-cavum arteriosum, cavum venosum, and cavum pulmonale-demonstrated a spatial distribution distinct from other squamates, with the cavum arteriosum and cavum venosum predominantly occupying the left side of the heart. A muscular crest within the ventricle facilitated additional separation between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, enhancing circulatory efficiency. The aortic and pulmonary trunk valves were identified as simple bicuspid structures. The right aortic arch originated both carotid trunks. The aorta originated multiple parietal, mesenteric, and renal arteries, exhibiting inter-individual variability. A remarkable vascular plexus at the duodenal bulb was observed, from which the hepatic artery originated. The ventral abdominal vein connected the pelvic region to the hepatic portal system. The absence of lateral abdominal veins supports the recommendation to avoid drug administration in the pelvic limbs and tail to prevent renal or hepatic first-pass effects. These findings provide essential information for clinical applications, including surgical interventions and diagnostic imaging in reptile medicine.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41472398/
- PMID 42121815 (2026, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology of Reptiles.. Abstract (opening): Reptiles have varied lung anatomy with three main lung types: unicameral, transitional, and multicameral. Crocodilians have a well-developed bronchial tree, while all other species have either a limited number of bronchi or no bronchi at all. The primary gas exchange structures are the faveoli and ediculae, which can have either homogeneous or heterogeneous distribution within the lung parenchyma. The physiology of reptile respiration is also complex, varied, and at times contradictory across species. A basic understanding of anatomy and physiology is essential for proper diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to reptile patients. Therefore, a paradigm shift is needed to start thinking of the anatomy and physiology of individual species rather than believing that a single concept applies to all reptiles equally. As such, future research should aim to duplicate concepts across the more common species encountered in clinical practice.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42121815/
- PMID 41568016 (2026, Ecology and evolution) — Predicting the Potential Spread of Invasive Reptiles From Hong Kong and Taiwan to Other Regions of China.. Abstract (opening): Biological invasions pose significant threats to global ecosystems, with invasive reptiles causing particular concern due to their increasing spread through international trade and potential range expansion under climate change. This study investigated the potential spread of five invasive reptile species that have established breeding populations in Hong Kong and Taiwan but have not yet invaded mainland China. Using the Maximum Entropy algorithm in Species Distribution Models, we integrated global occurrence records with current and future environmental variables to predict suitable habitats and potential distribution changes under different climate scenarios. We assess invasion risk based on the current and future distribution ranges of suitable habitats for invasive species. Our study results indicate the brown anole (<i>Anolis sagrei</i>) has the widest predicted distribution range, with suitable habitats across most regions of China, thus posing the highest invasion risk. The veiled chameleon (<i>Chamaeleo calyptratus</i>), Brook's house gecko (<i>Hemidactylus brookii</i>), and the green iguana (<i>Iguana iguana</i>) also present elevated invasion risks, as their suitable habitats are primarily located in southern China. In contrast, the monarch gecko (<i>Gekko monarchus</i>) has extremely low invasion potential, with only a small number of suitable habitats found along the southern coastal regions of China. Temperature and precipitation emerged as the primary factors influencing species distribution. Future climate projections indicate that the suitable habitats for all species will significantly expand, with distribution centers notably shifting northward and inland, particularly under high greenhouse gas emission scenarios. This study underscores the importance of species-specific management strategies and enhanced biosecurity measures, especially in regions identified as high-risk areas. It provides valuable evidence for developing proactive measures to prevent the spread of these high-risk invasive reptiles from Hong Kong and Taiwan into mainland China.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41568016/
- PMID 42121721 (2026, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Tiletamine-Zolazepam Use in Exotic Pets and Wildlife Anesthesia: A Narrative Review Towards Practical Guidelines.. Abstract (opening): This narrative review examines the clinical application of tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) in exotic pet and wildlife anesthesia, addressing the complexities inherent in managing a broad taxonomic spectrum with diverse physiological profiles and temperaments. As a fixed-dose combination, TZ is a cornerstone of multimodal protocols designed to achieve balanced anesthesia. Its lyophilized formulation permits reconstitution with various sedative solutions, facilitating low-volume administration, a critical requirement for the immobilization of wildlife and small exotic patients. Given the significant variability in species-specific responses and environmental influences, selecting and adapting appropriate TZ-based protocols remain a challenge for practitioners. By synthesizing heterogeneous data into expert-validated guidance, this review provides specialized and general veterinarians with practical considerations for the judicious use of TZ. Emphasis is placed on integrating TZ within multimodal protocols to mitigate arousal risks, ensure consistent immobilization, and facilitate rapid recovery. This approach seeks to optimize anesthetic outcomes and promote animal welfare across these physiologically diverse populations.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42121721/
- PMID 41745956 (2026, Veterinary sciences) — <i>Nannizziopsis pluriseptata</i>-Associated Skin Lesions in a Shingleback Skink (<i>Tiliqua rugosa</i>) and Spiny-Tailed Skinks (<i>Egernia depressa</i>) in Australia.. Abstract (opening): Both captive and free-living reptiles are susceptible to infection by fungi from the <i>Nannizziopsis</i> genus and are prone to developing severe lesions that can affect skin and deeper tissues, becoming multi-systemic. With Australia having close to 1000 reptile species-of which 93% are endemic-the prevalence, distribution and susceptibility of reptiles to this emerging fungal infection remain unknown. In this case series, captive skinks originating from the states of Queensland and Western Australia were presented to wildlife veterinarians with dermatitis. <i>Nannizziopsis pluriseptata</i> was identified via fungal isolation, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and sequencing, confirming the first record of this pathogen in the country.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41745956/
- PMID 42041919 (2026, Biology) — Herping the African Continent: Alien Amphibians and Reptiles in Sub-Saharan Africa.. Abstract (opening): Introduction of species represents today one of the most important problems of nature conservation. Special attention is paid to alien vascular plants and vertebrates. In the Afrotropical Region (sub-Saharan Africa), however, there is a lack of comprehensive review of alien amphibians and reptiles. The presented paper constitutes an attempt to overview the status, distribution and threats posed by introduced herp species to sub-Saharan Africa since the second half of the 18th century. This review includes 21 amphibian (including 10 established) and 57 reptile (including 33 established) species introduced to sub-Saharan Africa. Most species introduced to sub-Saharan Africa which subsequently developed viable populations originated from the Malagasy (32%), Afrotropical (30%), and Oriental (27%) Regions. Most introductions were made in the last two decades, mostly as results of an increase in international trade and herp pet industry, especially in South Africa. Stowaway and pet trade are the most common pathways of introductions. Several factors determine the successful establishment of introduced alien herp species in sub-Saharan Africa, viz. behavioral and morphological traits, propagule pressure, climate and habitat overlap, and presence of potentially competing species. The impact of alien herps in sub-Saharan Africa on the local biodiversity is not well investigated. In comparison with other continents the number of introduced and established herp species in sub-Saharan Africa is relatively low. The Malagasy Region has the highest number of introduced herp species in sub-Saharan Africa.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42041919/
- PMID 42307566 (2026, Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS) — Psychometric Properties of a Behavioral Sedation Scale for Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana).. Abstract (opening): This prospective, randomized, complete crossover study evaluated the psychometric properties of a behavioral sedation scale in 8 adult green iguanas (Iguana iguana) following intramuscular administration of midazolam (2 mg/kg) or saline. Each animal underwent both treatments with a washout period of 7 days. Sedation was assessed in real time using a previously described behavioral scale comprising eye opening, head height, muscle tone, handling, and body righting reflex, with total scores ranging from 1 to 14. Assessments were performed at baseline and at multiple time points up to 360 minutes postinjection. Construct validity was assessed by comparing sedation scores over times, and internal consistency was calculated using the Cronbach α coefficient. A total of 23 videos were used to evaluate intra- and interrater reliability by 2 blinded, untrained observers experienced in lizard anesthesia. Midazolam significantly increased sedation scores compared with baseline from 10 to 120 minutes postinjection (P = 0.015 to P < 0.001), and scores were higher in midazolam-treated iguanas than in controls up to 300 minutes (P = 0.007). Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach α = 0.835). Intrarater reliability was very good for total scores (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.98) and individual items (weighted κ > 0.80). Interrater reliability ranged from poor to very good, with wide confidence intervals (95% intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.18-0.95), and disagreement between observers exceeded 1 point in 47.8% of videos. Strong correlations were observed between real-time and video-based scores (Spearman rs ≥ 0.9). These findings indicate that the scale effectively discriminates sedation and demonstrates strong internal consistency and repeatability; however, variability between observers suggests that training may be required to optimize its clinical application.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42307566/
- PMID 41317138 (2026, Veterinary medicine and science) — Detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis in Reptiles in Thailand.. Abstract (opening): Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are significant intestinal protozoan parasites affecting humans and animals worldwide. These infections are transmitted through the faecal-oral route, by contaminated water, food or close contact with infected hosts. The zoonotic risk of transmission from reptiles is considered low; yet, limited research exists regarding Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections in these animals. This study investigated the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in reptile faecal samples from a breeding farm in the Chonburi Province, Eastern Thailand. The test population included 363 iguanas, 50 tortoises, 79 bearded dragons and nine snakes. DNA extraction from faecal samples was performed, followed by nested PCR for Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis, and all positive samples were sequenced for molecular characterisation. Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis were detected in 13 and 25 out of 501 faecal samples, respectively. Specifically, seven of 363 iguana samples and six of 79 bearded dragon samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium avium was found in 11 samples, and one sample revealed Cryptosporidium serpentis; the remaining sample could not be identified at the species level. For G. duodenalis, 15 of 363 iguanas tested positive, along with six of 79 bearded dragons, two of 50 tortoises and two of nine snakes. Only G. duodenalis assemblage B was identified in positive samples. This study provides epidemiological information on the infection rate and distribution of species of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in a breeding reptile farm in Chonburi Province, Eastern Thailand, and the findings are discussed in the context of the scientific literature. SUMMARY: This study represents one of the largest surveys on Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis in reptiles. Cryptosporidium avium, typically associated with avian hosts, was the predominant Cryptosporidium species identified in iguanas and bearded dragons. Giardia duodenalis assemblage B, known for its zoonotic potential, was the primary assemblage found in iguanas.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41317138/
- PMID 42043688 (2026, Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]) — Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Mammaliicoccus sciuri and Staphylococcus spp. isolated from reptiles undergoing rehabilitation in Northeastern Brazil.. Abstract (opening): Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in wildlife-associated bacteria represents a growing One Health concern. This study described the occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Mammaliicoccus sciuri and Staphylococcus spp. isolated from reptiles undergoing rehabilitation in northeastern Brazil. Oropharyngeal and cloacal samples from 87 reptiles yielded 87 isolates identified by MALDI-TOF MS, and antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by disk diffusion. Five bacterial species were detected, with a predominance of M. sciuri (79/87; 90.8%). Resistance to oxacillin was the most frequent finding (40/87; 46.0%), followed by erythromycin (16/87; 18.4%), while resistance to other antimicrobials remained low. In total, 46/87 (52.9%) isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial and 12/87 (13.8%) were classified as multidrug-resistant, mainly from bacteria isolated from Iguana iguana, Chelonoidis carbonaria, Boa constrictor, and Tupinambis teguixin. MAR indices ranged from 0.00 to 0.86, with values > 0.20 in 25.3% of isolates. These findings indicate that rehabilitating reptiles may act as reservoirs of oxacillin-resistant staphylococci, reinforcing the need to include wildlife rehabilitation centers in AMR surveillance strategies.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42043688/
- PMID 42070614 (2026, Acta tropica) — Amblyomma crassum Robinson, 1926 (Parasitiformes: Ixodidae): morphological and molecular confirmation of females and nymphs, with description of the nymphal stage.. Abstract (opening): Ticks (Parasitiformes: Ixodida) comprise about 1008 species worldwide, distributed among the families Argasidae, Ixodidae, and Nuttalliellidae. In the Neotropics, the family Ixodidae represents approximately 14% of global diversity and includes genera of medical and veterinary importance such as Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Ixodes, and Rhipicephalus. However, the taxonomic delimitation and distribution of several neotropical species remain uncertain due to the existence of cryptic species complexes, unreliable historical records, and the lack of consistent morphological descriptions or molecular analyses. The Neotropical species Amblyomma crassum Robinson, 1926 represents a case of taxonomic ambiguity, as only females are known; it shows morphological similarities with other species, some of its records have been questioned, and molecular information is scarce. In this study, adult (females) and immature (nymphs) specimens of A. crassum are reported and confirmed morphologically and molecularly, providing the description of the nymphal stage. Additionally, the association of A. crassum with wildlife hosts from Brazil and Colombia is recorded, including amphibians (Rhinella marina), reptiles (Iguana iguana), and mammals (Didelphis albiventris and Didelphis marsupialis). Our results expand knowledge about tick diversity in the Neotropics and validate the taxonomic identity of A. crassum, based on the morphological description of the nymph and confirmation of certain morphological differences in adults (females) compared to species that have traditionally caused confusion, such as Amblyomma humerale and Amblyomma sabanerae.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42070614/
Source text: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_iguana_husbandry_health_2026-08-01.txt (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).