Taiwan is set to cull up to 120,000 green iguanas that are reportedly harming the nation’s agricultural production sector. Over 200,000 of this invasive species are taking a toll and spreading destruction everywhere across southern to central Taiwan farm areas. What initially started in a pet show now roams wild, ripping off crops at its will to continue upsetting the biodiversity.
Invasive Green Iguanas Wreak Havoc on Farmlands
Chiu Kuo-hao, an official from the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, said the iguanas have spread to the agricultural areas of the island, where they cause significant damage to farms. The local authorities have hired hunting teams specialized in dealing with the problem. Last year, authorities culled about 70,000 iguanas and offered bounties of up to $15 for each reptile. The local governments also issued appeals to the public, calling on people to help in locating iguana nests, using fishing spears as the recommended tool for their destruction.
Originating from Central America and the Caribbean, green iguanas had no natural predator in Taiwan; thus, their population flourishes in the wild. At times, the invaders can be long; males grow as long as 6.6 feet, while weighing as much as 11 pounds. The females lay up to 80 eggs at once, causing their populations to grow rapidly.
Spread of Iguanas Linked to Trade in Pets
Lee Chi-ya, an official from the Pingtung County agricultural department, explained that many people purchased iguanas as pets but later abandoned them when they became too large or unmanageable. Once released, these iguanas flourished in Taiwan’s environment and rapidly multiplied to become a severe threat to agriculture.
They’ve really taken to the Taiwanese environment,” Lee said. “That’s allowed them to reproduce at a considerable rate, necessitating us to cull them and restore the balance of nature.”
Conservationists are lobbying for their humane treatment
While the iguana culling is essential for protecting the Taiwan farms, the conservationists push forward with more humane approaches. “Teach them how to deal with the problem in a safer, more effective manner,” said Hsu Wei-chieh, secretary general of the Reptile Conservation Association of Taiwan. His group works with the farmers to address the problem with the iguanas in a more humane manner as well as ensure their crops’ safety.
“We’re here to help see that this project is carried out smoothly,” said Hsu.
Farmers Embrace New Methods
Farmers such as Tsai Po-wen, who farms vegetables in Pingtung, are learning more effective and safer ways of controlling the population of iguanas. “We used to attack them, but it wasn’t any use. Now we’re learning more effective, safer methods,” Tsai said.
Effort to cull and control the green iguana population is crucial for Taiwan’s agricultural industry, and it would require continued cooperation between government officials, conservationists, and farmers.