The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a lizard from Central and South America which has recently become extremely popular in the pet trade - over 800,000 animals were imported into the United States alone during 1995, mainly coming from captive farming operations based in the country of origin. Despite the apparent "mass market" appeal of these animals, however, they are very demanding to care for properly over their lifetime, and the great majority will die within a few short years.
