A large lizard introduced to South Florida via the pet trade. Now reproducing in the wild; spreading rapidly. Major damage to native plants and infrastructure.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The green iguana, also known as the American iguana or the common green iguana, is a large, arboreal, mostly herbivorous species of lizard of the genus Iguana. Usually, this animal is simply called the iguana. The green iguana ranges over a large geographic area; it is native from southern Brazil and Paraguay as far north as Mexico. It is highly invasive in many subtropical and tropical environments throughout the world.
Source: Wikipedia — Green iguana Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Massive green lizard with long crest of spines down back; dewlap (throat fan); long tail.
Similar species. Native US lizards (much smaller). No native iguanids in southern US.
Voice. N/A.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Herbivorous: leaves, flowers, fruits.
Behavior. Native to Central/South America; introduced to South Florida via escaped/released pets. Has established large breeding populations. Major damage to native plants, infrastructure (digs burrows under sidewalks and homes), and pool screens. Florida considers them invasive and encourages humane removal.
§ Range
Native to Central/South America; invasive in southern Florida
§ Habitat
Trees, suburban areas, parks
§ Threats
In Florida: they're the threat. Damage to native vegetation, undermining infrastructure.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the green iguana (invasive) is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
In Florida: report sightings to state wildlife agencies. Don't release pet iguanas.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Green iguana
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Iguana iguana
- IUCN Red List · taxon 174481
- iNaturalist · taxon 32432
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Iguana iguana
§ Sources cited
- Florida FWC
- USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species
- IUCN Red List 2010
