Range

South America and a range of offshore islands are the home of the golden tegu. They can be found throughout Colombia, Venezuela, Isla Margarita, Tobago, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Trinidad, Argentina, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana.

An introduced population has been identified in Florida, USA.

Habitat

They make their home in forest clearings and on river banks.

Reproduction

During mating the male will grab the female by her neck and then place his body under hers.

Following a successful mating the female golden tegu will deposit 7-12 eggs in to a hole in the ground or the base of a termite mound. Termite mounds are used as they provide a constant temperature throughout the incubation period.

It will take the eggs 3-5 months to hatch. If they are laid in the ground the female may remain with them.

Behavior

They are successful swimmers.

Communication involves the two golden tegus making a loud, snoring noise which can carry over long distances.

Predators and Threats

Adults face predation from cats while juveniles face threats from larger lizards and snakes. They defend themselves against predators by clawing them or using the tail as a club.

Humans will hunt golden tegus for use in fashion trade and to eat.

Quick facts

The golden tegu is known by many names including the black tegu, common tegu, Colombian tegu and the tiger lizard.