Puerto Rico faces a challenge with its iguana population. These reptiles have established themselves across the island, leading to environmental and financial disruptions. Their presence has prompted concern among local communities and authorities due to their proliferation and the resulting impacts.
Iguanas in Puerto Rico and Their Arrival
The primary iguana species causing issues in Puerto Rico is the green iguana (Iguana iguana). This species is not native to the island; its natural habitat spans Central and South America. The introduction of green iguanas to Puerto Rico traces back to the 1970s, largely through the pet trade. Many individuals were either intentionally released into the wild by their owners or escaped captivity, subsequently establishing breeding populations across the island.
The island’s tropical climate, similar to their native range, along with an absence of natural predators, allowed these introduced iguanas to thrive and multiply rapidly. Estimates from 2012 suggested a population of approximately four million green iguanas. More recent estimations indicate the population could be between 10 to 14 million. While Puerto Rico does have a native iguana species, the Mona ground iguana (Cyclura stejnegeri), this critically endangered reptile is endemic only to Mona Island and does not contribute to the widespread problem.
Ecological and Economic Consequences
The proliferation of green iguanas has resulted in ecological and financial consequences across Puerto Rico. Ecologically, these herbivorous lizards compete with native fauna for resources and consume a wide array of vegetation, including flowers, seedlings, and fruits. Their feeding habits can negatively affect fruit and seed production of various plant species, potentially altering landscapes and reducing the availability of nectar for native pollinators such as hummingbirds and bats.
Economically, the impact on agriculture is clear, with farmers experiencing financial losses. Iguanas consume at least 33 different crop species, including squash and tomatoes, leading to millions of dollars in damages annually, with farmers reporting collective losses exceeding $100,000 in 2020 due to iguana herbivory. Beyond agriculture, iguanas damage infrastructure by burrowing, which can undermine foundations, sidewalks, airport runways, and dikes. They also seek warmth on structures like electrical poles, contributing to power outages and other accidents. These combined ecological and infrastructural damages place a financial burden on the island, necessitating ongoing management efforts.
Management and Conservation Efforts
Authorities and communities in Puerto Rico have implemented strategies to manage the invasive green iguana population and mitigate its impacts. Control methods include trapping, hunting, and culling. Hunting iguanas is legal and encouraged, with permits issued to private companies for their removal.
Beyond direct removal, efforts include public education campaigns promoting responsible pet ownership to prevent further releases. Harvesting iguana eggs from nests is another strategy employed, as a single female can lay a large clutch of eggs, many of which are likely to hatch successfully.
Despite these efforts, the absence of natural predators in Puerto Rico means that population control remains a continuous undertaking. Researchers monitor iguana distribution and explore effective management techniques. The potential for utilizing iguanas as a food source or for export has been explored, though concerns, such as the risk of Salmonella, have limited the sale of iguana meat within Puerto Rico.