The common name for the Invasive Florida Iguana is simply Iguana. However, the scientific name is Iguana Iguana. It is important to note that the species originates from Central America, eastern Caribbean islands, and parts of South America. Currently, the species are reportedly causing massive havoc in parts of South Florida where they are damaging roofs, seawalls, levees, electrical lines, and also contaminating water pools. However, these species of reptiles are non-native to Florida thereby begging the questions of how they arrived here in the first place. According to information from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the species found their way to South Florida during the 1960s after they escaped captivity following the massive hurricanes (Wright, 2018). It is also asserted that they must have been released to the wild by individuals who no longer wanted them as pets.
Several factors make this species successful in its bid to spread and survive in its non-native populations. First, they are fecund species meaning that they can lay many eggs thus securing their reproduction. Secondly, they are adapted to utilize a wide range of habitats that include the mesic, xeric, and sub-tropical habitats. As such, this explains their massive presence in the urban settlement. Furthermore, they are excellent swimmers and can remain submerged in water for as long as 4 hours. Male iguanas move at high speed which makes them difficult to catch. The iguanas feed on bush and leaves such as vines and tree leaves. For homeowners in South Florida, they have remained a significant nuisance especially due to the high amount of money spent on landscaping.
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According to the Florida law, it is illegal to kill an Iguana provided that the death is instantaneous (Wright, 2018). However, any death causing suffering or torture to the animal is prohibited. The research has enabled me to appreciate that some species have certain adaptation advantages that allow them to move out of their native settlements and cause havoc to other regions.
Reference
Wright P. (2018) “Invasive Iguanas Chewing Their Way through South Florida Infrastructure, Landscape”. From: https://weather.com/science/nature/news/2018-06-26-south-florida-green-iguanas-wreaking-havoc-damage
