Red Tegu
Tupinambis rufescens
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Teiidae
Red Tegu
Range
South America
Size
Male avg. 4.5 ft, up to 15 lbs
Female avg. 3 ft, up to 15 lbs.
Habitat
Semi-arid deserts, forests, savannas, and fields
Diet
Fruits, vegetables, insects, eggs, small rodents, birds, and carrion
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Defenses
Red Tegus are intelligent, terrestrial lizards that rarely climb more than a few feet off the ground. They have the ability to run on their hind legs to escape predation. Red tegus use their powerful tail as a whip to attack, when threatened.
Aquatic Skills
They are excellent swimmers and can dive for upwards of 20 minutes without coming up for air.
Status
Habitat loss, particularly deforestation, is a main threat to the species. Historically, they have been hunted for their meat and skin, or taken from the wild for the pet trade.