Florida is famous for its lush greenery, endless array of beaches, and beautiful year-round weather. It is a great place not only for tourists but also for spotting rare wildlife.
However, not all wildlife is rare or native to Florida. A prime example of this is the green iguana, which has now become an invasive species in the state.
Green Iguana Problems in Florida
Green iguanas are causing serious damage in South Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has placed them on the restricted species list. With their increasing numbers, the need for professional iguana removal and trapping services has increased to protect the state’s natural beauty and infrastructure.
Green Iguana Size, Color, and Characteristics
Green iguanas are not always green. Their skin can also be brown or almost black, while adult iguanas can appear orange or pink.
- They have thorny spines on their back from the neck to the tail.
- Male iguanas have heavy cheeks and a stretched skin (dewlap) on the throat, which helps them in intimidating rivals and attracting females.
- The average lifespan of green iguanas can be 10 to 20 years.
- They have a special organ like a third eye, which helps them detect any movement.
Male green iguanas can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 17 pounds, while females grow up to 5 feet long but usually do not weigh more than 7 pounds. They breed in October and November and a female iguana can lay up to 76 eggs at a time.
How did green iguanas reach Florida?
Green iguanas are originally residents of tropical regions of Central and South America. Florida’s warm climate has proven to be favorable for them. They became popular as exotic pets in the 1960s and 1970s. But as they grew larger, many owners could not handle them and released them into the wild. In addition, many iguanas escaped from pet stores, breeding centers, and during transportation. Their ability to reproduce rapidly and the absence of natural predators led to an increase in their numbers in Florida.
Damage caused by green iguanas
Damage to vegetation and ecological balance
- They damage gardens and agricultural fields by eating various plants, flowers, and fruits.
- They pose a threat to local fauna as they compete for food and shelter.
- They may also eat birds and eggs of other species, reducing the number of local fauna.
Structural damage
- They dig large tunnels, weakening sidewalks, sea walls, and foundations of buildings.
- They climb onto power lines and transformers, causing power outages.
Health hazards
- Their feces contain salmonella bacteria, which can contaminate water and surfaces.
Where are green iguanas found?
The southern parts of Florida are the most populated because they cannot survive in cold weather. In cold weather, they can be seen freezing.
Green Iguana Prevention Tips
If you want to protect your home and garden from green iguanas, you can take the following steps:
- Avoid plants that attract them – Plant native plants instead of hibiscus, jasmine and other fruit plants.
- Fill small holes – Fill holes in the ground with stones to prevent them from digging holes.
- Use sound and reflective objects – Wind chimes, mirrors or shiny surfaces can help scare them away.
- Spray water – They can swim in water, but spraying water on them can make them run away.
- Don’t release them into the wild – If you have a pet iguana and don’t want to keep it, contact an animal rescue center.
Professional Iguana Removal Measures
Green iguanas are causing damage to Florida’s ecosystem and infrastructure. Therefore, seeking expert help is the best option to control their population.
- Professional iguana control services can help in the humane capture and removal of green iguanas.
- These services include specially designed deterrents and monitoring systems.
Conclusion
Controlling the green iguana population is essential to protect Florida’s ecosystem and infrastructure. Through public awareness, responsible pet ownership, and proper control measures, we can reduce this problem.
If you notice iguanas around your home, contact the professionals as soon as possible to prevent damage to your property and the local ecosystem. read also: Why do Komodo dragons only live in Indonesia?
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