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Iguana Invasion: Exotic Pets Gone Wild in Florida

Cameron Reed

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The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) is a non-native invasive species in Florida that has caused significant ecological and economic damage. These large, arboreal lizards were likely introduced to the state as part of the pet trade and have since established thriving populations throughout South Florida.

Iguana Invasion!: Exotic Pets Gone Wild in Florida

by Virginia Aronson

5 out of 5

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Iguanas are native to Central and South America, where they play an important role in the ecosystem. However, in Florida, they have no natural predators and have become a major threat to native wildlife. Iguanas compete with native species for food and resources, and they can also damage vegetation and infrastructure.

The Pet Trade

The pet trade is the primary pathway by which non-native species are introduced to new environments. Iguanas are popular pets in the United States, and they are often purchased as exotic animals. However, many people who purchase iguanas do not realize how large they can grow or how difficult they can be to care for.

When iguanas become too large or difficult to care for, they are often released into the wild. This is a major problem, as iguanas can quickly establish thriving populations in new environments. In Florida, iguanas have been found in every county in the state.

The Ecological Impact of Iguanas

Iguanas have a significant impact on the ecology of Florida. They compete with native species for food and resources, and they can also damage vegetation and infrastructure.

Iguanas are voracious herbivores, and they eat a wide variety of plants. This can have a negative impact on native plant populations, especially rare and endangered species. Iguanas also eat insects, fruits, and flowers, which can disrupt the food chain and reduce the availability of food for other animals.

In addition to competing for food, iguanas can also damage vegetation by digging burrows and nesting in trees. This can damage root systems, weaken trees, and make them more susceptible to disease and pests.

Iguanas can also be a nuisance to humans. They can damage property by digging burrows, nesting in attics, and chewing on electrical wires. Iguanas can also be aggressive, and they have been known to bite people who come too close.

The Economic Impact of Iguanas

The iguana invasion is also having a significant economic impact on Florida. The state spends millions of dollars each year on iguana control and eradication programs. In addition, iguanas can cause damage to property, crops, and infrastructure.

One of the most significant economic impacts of iguanas is the damage they cause to crops. Iguanas are known to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, and they can cause significant damage to crops in South Florida. In addition, iguanas can also damage trees and other vegetation, which can reduce property values and tourism revenue.

Controlling the Iguana Population

There are a number of different methods that can be used to control the iguana population in Florida. These methods include:

Trapping and removal: Iguanas can be trapped and removed from the wild using a variety of methods. These methods include live traps, cage traps, and snares.
Chemical control: Iguanas can be controlled using a variety of chemical methods. These methods include herbicides, pesticides, and rodenticides.
Biological control: Iguanas can be controlled using a variety of biological methods. These methods include introducing predators or parasites that target iguanas.

The most effective way to control the iguana population is to use a combination of different methods. This will help to reduce the number of iguanas in the wild and minimize their impact on the environment and economy.

The iguana invasion is a serious problem in Florida. These non-native lizards have caused significant ecological and economic damage. The state is spending millions of dollars each year on iguana control and eradication programs. However, there is still much that needs to be done to control the iguana population and minimize their impact on the environment and economy.

One of the most important things that can be done to control the iguana population is to educate people about the problem. Many people who purchase iguanas as pets do not realize how large they can grow or how difficult they can be to care for. By educating people about the dangers of releasing iguanas into the wild, we can help to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Iguana Invasion!: Exotic Pets Gone Wild in Florida

by Virginia Aronson

5 out of 5