III Hatfield, James W.

For his book Green Iguana—The Ultimate Owner’s Manual, James W. Hatfield III gathered information from the world’s top iguana scientists and research institutions, hundreds of iguana owners worldwide, veterinarians, people in the pet trade—and from his own field research in the jungles of Mexico and Central and South America. Plus he incorporated the real-life experience of raising his own iguana, Za.

After writing the book, “Iguana Jim” continued to share his iguana expertise as a writer and speaker, appearing on syndicated TV news and radio shows and presenting at herpetological events. You can see him as the iguana expert on 72 Dangerous Animals: Latin America on Netflix.

He currently lives with his wife in Ashland, Oregon, a few steps from a running, hiking, and mountain biking trail system that intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail. On his 1-1/4 acre property he closely interacts with the native “fence” lizards, which he can easily pick up. They rest quietly in his hand. They don’t call him “Iguana Jim” for nothing.