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The Three Eyed lizards of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

By: Jim Scherrer

The word "Iguana" is the Spanish derivative of the Caribbean (Indian) Word "Iwana", a term for a family of lizards, which can be found on the American continent.

Iguanas are one of the five general recognized by the infra-orders lacertilian subordination of the reptiles, which are all lizards. The family Iguanidae is only one of about 17 families of lacertilian subordination, it involves In the families of the Iguana iguana (green) and spiny-tailed (black) iguanas, that are abundant in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico area. This whole order of reptiles was again due to Tianyusaurus that roamed the earth during the late Cretaceous period 65-100000000 years.

Iguanas have a been used food source in Central America and South America for the past 7,000 years and are still Meat used as the source, often called Gallina de Palo, "bamboo chicken" or "chicken of the tree" because it should taste like chicken. Leather Hide of the Iguana, a popular material for centuries has been.

Although green iguanas are in danger, they are not considered an endangered Species, they are considered an endangered species, and today they are mainly used as pets, the U.S. imported 800,000 in 1995 alone. While hunting, killing or Iguanas are illegal in Mexico, they are still sought after as pets. Apart from the people who attack iguanas have few natural enemies, but the smaller hawks and owls. Since iguanas are preyed on by hawks hawks fear is exploited by her and blowing a whistle hawks iguana what the freeze easier to capture in the wild. Iguanas have to fight powerful claws and tail of most other land-based predators, and if they get caught, they have the ability to shed off some of their tail will grow back later.

Iguanas are common all over the Puerto Vallarta area live mainly in the trees, but also often seen bathing in the sun while on the ground or on large rocks. The tropical climate and lush vegetation offer the ideal environment in PV for these old reptiles (and us old pensioners!) A never-ending supply of food throughout the year with an abundance of leaves, fruits and Flowers such as hibiscus and bougainvillea. As we have seen in one of the eight golf courses, they are pretty fast runners and excellent swimmers!

In Puerto Vallarta, Iguanas are often used as company logos, names of institutions such as restaurants, discotheques, canteens and house names, Fiesta name, etc., in the name of a prestigious neighborhood: Isla Iguana, located in the Marina. They are often the subject of large sand sculptures on the beach in front of the downtown Malecon, shaped in ceramic terms to include in all types of images, and in various other forms of art. Of course, it is almost impossible, on the beach in PV without one of the local boys were coming by for long with his pet iguana four meters a photo op! In fact, it was the iguana that Puerto Vallarta set on the international map in 1963, when John Huston filmed "The Night of the Iguana." Since then, the Iguana (along with its relative, the gecko) has been known symbols Vallarta.

Okay, you need eagerly asking what the deal is with respect the three eyes of Iguanas Puerto Vallarta, well, it just so happens that all iguanas have three eyes! The third eye, called the parietal lobe or pineal eye is on the top of the iguana on his head. It is a thin film of skin covered and therefore not clearly see colors or details but it finds sun, shadow and movement of Overhead predators.

These three eyes of reptiles known as a large loose flap of skin under her chin, dewlap. The dewlap can be moved or show, during mating or to warn attackers, but more importantly, it used to regulate body temperature. It has run many blood vessels due to its thin skin and therefore on a hot day, the iguana to get into the shade and keep their dewlap to withdraw so that the body heat on a cold day, it can stick to bathe in the sun and their dewlap, so much to absorb the sun's rays. With this handy little built-in heat exchanger, the iguana can enjoy the hot Mexican sun and no sweat!

Better yet, is another very interesting feature of the iguanas that for purposes of reproduction, they have one or two penises Hemipenis (happy little Critters!). But on the flip side, they can only use one at a time.

In summary, there are so many incredible sights and things novel to photograph in the PV, yet one of the most popular themes for all tourists must capture a snapshot of one of these beautiful (beauty is in the eye of the beholder!) Creatures while sunbathing or snacking on a delicious bougainvillea. So the next time you are fortunate that one of these magnificent reptiles up close discover in the third eye. Meanwhile, if you just want to have some fun, ask your friends what has three eyes, two penises, and never sweat: the iguanas by charming Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!

Jim Scherrer property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 26 years and lived there for the last twelve years. The mission of his Series of 60 articles relating to retirement in Puerto Vallarta is to show the recent changes that have occurred in Vallarta while the dispersion of misconceptions on the living conditions in Mexico. attend for the full year series of articles about travel to and retirement in Vallarta Puerto Vallarta, and related links, please Us on PVREBA .

About the Author

Jim Scherrer has owned property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 26 years and resided there for the past twelve years. The mission of his series of 60 articles pertaining to retirement in Puerto Vallarta is to reveal the recent changes that have occurred in Vallarta while dispelling the misconceptions about living conditions in Mexico. For the full series of articles regarding travel to and retirement in Vallarta as well as pertinent Puerto Vallarta links, please visit us at Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Buyers‘ Agents

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