Green iguanas pose a significant threat to Florida’s environment and infrastructure. As a non-native species, they cause ecological and economic issues. Authorities classify them as an invasive species, prompting efforts to manage their growing populations.
Arrival and Establishment in Florida
Green iguanas are native to Central and South America and some eastern Caribbean islands, thriving in tropical and subtropical environments. They were first documented in Florida in the early 1960s, primarily introduced via the exotic pet trade. Many were released into the wild by pet owners when they grew too large or difficult to manage, while others escaped.
Florida’s warm, humid climate provides an ideal habitat, allowing them to adapt and flourish. The absence of natural predators has contributed to their rapid population growth. Females can lay multiple clutches of 14 to 76 eggs, and they can live for up to 10 years in the wild. This reproductive success, combined with favorable conditions, has led to their firm establishment across many parts of the state, particularly in southern Florida.
The Problems Iguanas Cause
Iguanas cause environmental damage by consuming a wide variety of plants. They feed on ornamental landscape plants, agricultural crops, and native vegetation, including nickerbean, a vital food source for the endangered Miami blue butterfly. Their herbivorous diet impacts native flora and can disrupt local food chains. They also compete with native wildlife for resources and habitat, potentially displacing indigenous species.
Beyond ecological impacts, iguanas inflict property and infrastructure damage. They are skilled burrowers, digging tunnels that can undermine sidewalks, seawalls, foundations, and canal banks. These burrows can lead to erosion and structural instability, necessitating costly repairs. They also climb on electrical equipment, causing power outages when they interfere with transformers or power lines. Their droppings accumulate on docks, pool decks, and other surfaces, creating unsightly messes and odor concerns.
Iguanas also pose health concerns due to their ability to carry Salmonella bacteria. This bacteria can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated surfaces, water, or direct handling. While iguanas typically do not show symptoms, their feces can contaminate swimming pools and other areas, risking salmonellosis in humans and pets.
Efforts to Manage Iguana Populations
Recognizing their invasive nature, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages the removal of green iguanas. Green iguanas are not protected by wildlife conservation laws, except by anti-cruelty provisions. This means individuals can humanely remove or kill iguanas on their private property without a permit, provided they comply with anti-cruelty laws.
Various methods control iguana populations. Homeowners can use trapping, exclusion techniques, or humane removal. On 32 FWC-managed public lands, iguanas can be captured and humanely killed year-round without a permit or hunting license. Captured iguanas cannot be relocated and released elsewhere in Florida, as this would contribute to their spread. Public awareness campaigns educate residents about iguana impacts and responsible management actions.