Taiwan Plans Major Culling of Green Iguanas to Protect Agriculture

In response to the burgeoning population of green iguanas that threaten Taiwan's agricultural industry, plans are in place to cull up to 120,000 of the reptiles. Supporters of the initiative are advocating for humane methods to control the expanding numbers, particularly in Pingtung County, where the influence on farming is most profound.

Estimates suggest that around 200,000 iguanas inhabit southern and central Taiwan, areas that rely heavily on agriculture. According to Chiu Kuo-hao from the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, hunting teams successfully eliminated approximately 70,000 iguanas last year, offering bounties of up to $15 for each animal captured. Local authorities are enlisting public assistance in locating iguana nests, highlighting the recommended use of fishing spears as a humane approach for extermination.

Lee Chi-ya, from the agricultural department in Pingtung, noted that many iguanas were initially kept as pets, with owners unaware of their growth potential and lifespan. This led to some being released into the wild, where they have thrived and multiplied at a significant rate. This situation prompted the need for culling to restore ecological balance, as green iguanas lack natural predators on the island.

These reptiles, native to Central America and the Caribbean, can be quite formidable due to their size, with males reaching lengths of up to 2 feet and weighing around 5 kilograms. Nonetheless, they are generally non-aggressive and primarily consume fruit, leaves, and plants, with an occasional small animal in their diet. Despite their popularity as pets in some regions, they are often challenging to care for, with many unfortunately dying shortly after being acquired.

Hsu Wei-chieh, who serves as secretary general for the Reptile Conservation Association of Taiwan, expressed his organization's intent to educate farmers on safe practices for property protection while managing iguanas humanely. He emphasized the commitment to ensuring the culling project is executed effectively.

A vegetable farmer named Tsai Po-wen shared that the training provided has already proven beneficial. Previously, their efforts to combat the iguana population were futile, but with the new guidance, they are discovering safer and more effective strategies to manage the situation.