Green+Basilisk

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// Basiliscus plumifrons // Order: Squamata

=**__Husbandry Information__**=

Housing Requirements

 * Large water bowl, high perching for climbing and basking high up. Recommend covering 2-3 faces of all glass enclosures and mind the proximity to screen tops as nose rubbing may occur. Plants for hiding also recommended and if possible outdoor enclosures are best.
 * Minimum width and height on enclosures for adults should be 3-4' wide and 4-6' tall. More space the better as these guys are very active.
 * Highly recommend regular time in natural sunlight where possible.

Diet Requirements

 * Omnivorous.
 * Insects, small mammals, and smaller lizards as well as small amounts of fruits and flowers.

Veterinary Concerns

 * Like other iguanids this species is prone to metabolic bone disease when kept out of natural sunlight. Also prone to issues from nose rubbing.

Notes on Enrichment & Training

 * Variety is the spice of life! Offer as many different types of insects and other small food items that you can. Occasional nightcrawlers and pinky mice as well as free feeding crickets and worms can really help to stimulate foraging behaviors.

=__Programmatic Information__=

Tips on Presentation

 * Can be walked on typical lizard harness (piece of leather with holes for front legs and a lead) though be mindful that the lead doesn't irritate the crests. Best to be conservative with outdoors presentations due to flight risk.

Tips on Handling

 * Give time to work out the wiggles when picking up for encounters.
 * Not typically a good species for handling. If you get the right individual they can be very striking additions to animal ambassador collections.

Potential Messaging

 * Loss of habitat from human development is the main pressure. Harvesting for pet trade less of an issue due to robust populations of captive bred basilisks.
 * Apparent sexual dimorphism

=__Acquisition Information__=

=__Comments from the Rating System__=
 * Zoo Miami: Beautiful species to have though not commonly able to be handled. With the right individual regular handling paired with tong feeding and regular outings without touching from guests (just for sun) can be a great ambassador. Great to interpret sexual dimorphism and defense mechanisms like 'walking on water.'

=__Natural History Information__=

Range and Habitat

 * Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua
 * Forests. Heavily forested streams and lowland wet forests.

Physical Description
>
 * Plumed basilisks are one of the largest basilisk species, with an average body length of approximately 10 inches (25 cm). Including the tail, they can reach 3 feet (91 cm) long. Adult lizards are brilliant green with bright yellow eyes and small bluish spots along the dorsal ridge. Males have three crests: one on the head, one on their back, and one on the tail while the females only have the head crest. Juveniles are less conspicuously colored, and lack the characteristic crests.

Life Cycle

 * Oviparous

Behavior

 * Diurnal, semi-aquatic, semi-arboreal
 * Excellent swimmer and can hold its breath for up to 30 minutes.

Threats and Conservation Status
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 * IUCN - Least Concern
 * This species is threatened by a loss of primary forest habitat resulting from the the impacts of expanding human populations.
 * There is a need to monitor the harvesting of this species for the pet trade, although at present this does not appear to be a major threat (many in the trade are captive bred).

=__Did you know…__=
 * Aka double-crested basilisk, or Jesus Christ lizard (derived from their defensive behavior to run directly over the surface of water in flight from perceived threat).
 * One of the few parthenogenetic iguanian lizards (females can produce offspring without the genetic contribution of a male); Talk about 'Jesus Christ lizard!'

=__Photographs__=

=__Contributors and Citations__=
 * Zoo Miami

//When adding a new page, remember to add tags!//
 * //Activity Schedule: diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular//
 * //Continent of Origin//
 * //Diet Requirements: carnivore, herbivore, omnivore, etc.//
 * //General Habitat/Biome: deserts, forests, mountains, etc.//