The Iguana Statue Guide For Beginners

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There are only a handful of animal statues that can instantly create a tropical feel. So what do you do when you happen to be looking for something which is vibrant green and sure to make a statement? That’s easy, you need an iguana statue, and here’s your all-in-one guide to them.

Meet The Iguana

Real iguanas come in quite a few different species. The one which is the most recognizable and normally used for statues, however, is the green iguana. This vegetable-eating reptile is known for its striking green coloration, long whip-like tail, and spines on its back

Its beauty, intelligence, and normally peaceful nature make it one of the most popular reptile pets worldwide. And as a tropical species, it’s found in jungles and often near the types of island resorts where most of us dream about vacationing.

Iguana Statue Materials

Iguana statues are a bit different than other statue types. That’s because the vast majority of consumers who are looking for them specifically want something as realistic as possible. For this reason, a stone or cement iguana garden statue can often be hard to find.

Instead, most statues are made from resin, which is not only durable but easier to care for and move than other materials as well. It’s generally the top material choice for creating lifelike animal statues. A resin iguana will typically be hand-painted with highly realistic patterning, colors, and textured scales.

In fact, they can be so realistic that they fool people, pets, and even other iguanas! For this reason, some of the most well-known statue options such as the Design Toscano Iggy the Iguana Statue and Michael Carr iguana statue (both pictured in this article) are appropriately made from resin.

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Sizes 

One of the best things about statues of iguanas is the fact that they are almost always life-size. Small statues don’t look like unrealistic miniatures, which is often the case with other types of animal statues. They instead simply look like young iguanas. For those who would like something that looks exactly like a full-grown lizard, a large iguana statue is a perfect solution.

Although for maximum impact and true lizard buffs some manufacturers do offer giant iguana options as well.  Real iguanas have very long tails and so do statues.

However, you’ll notice when shopping that their tails are typically curled inwards close to their bodies instead of extended straight out. This helps save space, protects the tail from damage, and the low to the ground lizard profile of these statues helps to make them more stable and resistant to high winds.

Iguana Statue Poses

Since the majority of iguana garden statues are meant to be realistic, they come in a few lifelike poses that real iguanas use. One of the most attractive is actually a threat display which they use to make themselves look bigger and more fearsome when dealing with predators. They puff out their dewlap (the pouch under their chin) and extend the spines as far as they can go on their back.

While this can help to scare away threats in the wild, it also helps to show all of its natural features which many statue buyers find intriguing. Other statue options may be more relaxed and are simply standing, sitting, or lying down in a typical iguana-like fashion. Many seem to be basking in the sun. Some statues may even include a base with a bit of faux such as a branch or rock.

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Best Places And Ways To Use Your Iguana

Be sure to consider the following ideas on where and how to use your statue:

Create Your Own Garden Jungle

You may already live in a tropical state or location and if you do, adding one of these reptiles will of course be a perfect fit. For this reason, iguana garden statues are especially popular with Florida residents where they are actually an invasive species.

But of course, you don’t need to be in a tropical location to create the look and feel of one, and an iguana can help. With a few jungle plants, you can turn any deck, balcony, or garden space into your own tropical oasis. And with an iguana peering out from between a pair of palm trees, or placed as an accent near your outdoor tiki bar you can be transported to memories of island vacations, or take one in your own backyard at any time.

Complete Your Southwestern or Desert Garden

Real iguanas are tropical creatures however iguana statues work so well in Southwestern and desert gardens that really, who cares! Adding one in-between some cacti can make a great spot for your lizard. Or by placing your statue on a large desert-style rock you can use it as an eye-catching focal point and conversation piece that completes your space.

A New Indoor Pet

Of course, you don’t have to use your iguana statue outdoors at all, indoors is always an option. It’s what many iguana fans do who want to have one as a pet but not the responsibility of taking care of it. And best of all a potted plant or two is all you’ll need to create a jungle habitat in the home.

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A Sunbathing Lizard Accent

Iguanas love the water which makes a statue a fabulous and exotic-looking accent near ponds and pools. It’s always popular to place them on rocks so that they appear to be soaking up the sun by the water. And don’t overlook putting one right on the waterfall either so he can clearly be seen by everyone.

A Scaly Spitting Fountain

Piped statues can function as fountains themselves. And a spitting iguana statue will be sure to add a totally unique and tropical touch to ponds and pools with the added benefit of the relaxing sound of the water.

Taking Care Of Your Iguana Statue

You will want to follow the care instructions from the manufacturer of your statue. Most iguanas are made from resin and are often placed in areas with full or strong sun. While the resin is highly durable like all materials, a little care can go a long way.

By adding a quick clear coat with an acrylic spray you can give your new resin iguana statue extra protection from UV rays and help to make sure its gorgeous green colors stay that way year after year. And don’t forget if you live somewhere with freezing temperatures in the winter months keeping your statue indoors will help preserve its youthful lizard looks as long as possible.

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Perfect Iguana Statue Pals

There are many other animal statue options that work perfectly with iguanas. An easy and fun way to go are always some other reptiles in general such as lizards, snakes, or turtle statues. Or you may want to choose statue critters that specifically go with the theme or style of the garden you are trying to create.

For example, if you are using your iguana in a tropical setting jungle buddies like parrots, geckos, and pythons would work. Or a monkey statue might be in order. Southwestern or dessert garden friends might include options like armadillos or reptiles like rattlesnakes, horny toads, and frill-necked lizards.

And near ponds or water frogs and aquatic turtles always are a natural choice. You may even want to add an alligator statue, another Florida favorite, to give guests a fright. And don’t forget you can always use other iguanas as well. You may even want to create your own iguana garden with statues of different sizes, poses, and colors. Or you could add them throughout your property.

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An iguana statue isn’t for everyone, but if you’ve taken the time to read this article it’s most likely you’re an iguana fan. So be sure to use this info to help you choose the perfect lizard for your outdoor space!

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