Florida’s landscape is increasingly populated by iguanas, an invasive species. These large reptiles have established themselves across the state, particularly in southern regions. Their growing numbers pose various challenges to the local environment and human infrastructure.
How Iguanas Became Established
Iguanas in Florida primarily stem from the exotic pet trade. During the 1960s and 1970s, green iguanas were popular pets due to their appearance and initial manageability. Many owners, however, were unprepared for the reptiles’ rapid growth and specialized care requirements.
Consequently, a significant number of iguanas were intentionally released into the wild or escaped captivity. The first documented introduction occurred in Miami in the early 1960s, with over 300 individuals released in 1964. Some iguanas also arrived as unintentional stowaways on cargo ships from their native Central and South American habitats.
Factors Contributing to Their Proliferation
Florida’s climate provides an ideal environment for iguanas to thrive. The state’s warm, subtropical conditions, especially in the southern half, resemble their native tropical habitats. The absence of prolonged freezing winters allows them to survive and reproduce year-round, as cold temperatures limit their northern expansion.
Abundant food sources further contribute to their success. Iguanas are primarily herbivorous, consuming vegetation, ornamental plants, fruits, and flowers common in Florida’s urban and suburban landscapes. They readily feed on plants such as hibiscus, jasmine, and even some native species like nickerbean.
A lack of natural predators for adult iguanas in Florida also enables their population growth. While eggs and juvenile iguanas face threats from raccoons, snakes, hawks, and domestic animals, adult iguanas have few natural enemies. This limited predation pressure allows more iguanas to reach maturity and reproduce. Females can lay large clutches of eggs, often 65 to 75, multiple times a year.
Impacts of a Growing Iguana Population
Florida’s escalating iguana population leads to negative consequences. Their burrowing habits can undermine seawalls, sidewalks, foundations, and canal banks. Their presence near power lines and transformers can also result in costly power outages.
Iguanas damage residential and commercial landscaping. They consume ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables, causing economic losses for homeowners and agricultural producers. Beyond property damage, they pose ecological concerns by competing with native wildlife for food and habitat. Their feeding on native plants, such as the nickerbean, can negatively impact species like the endangered Miami blue butterfly.
Iguanas also affect public health. Their droppings, found in swimming pools and other frequented areas, can contaminate surfaces and water, potentially spreading Salmonella. The sheer volume of their waste contributes to unsanitary conditions.
Management and Control Efforts
Florida’s wildlife agencies are actively addressing the iguana problem. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) classifies iguanas as an invasive species and encourages their removal. The FWC provides guidelines to the public on humane methods for managing these reptiles.
Residents can remove iguanas from private properties without a permit, with landowner permission. Common removal methods include trapping and, where safe and permissible, shooting. Captured iguanas cannot be relocated and released elsewhere in Florida.
Euthanasia is recommended as the humane disposal method for removed iguanas. Despite these efforts, controlling the widespread and rapidly reproducing iguana population remains a significant challenge for the state.