In St. Augustine, a green iguana sighting has sparked discussion about the species’ impact and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) stance on managing it. This invasive reptile, not native to Florida, has been the subject of controversy due to its effects on local ecosystems.
Tory Crawford contacted News4JAX after observing the iguana on her front lawn, expressing her concern about the recommendation to kill the creature. FWC’s guidance on their website suggests that green iguanas should be removed to mitigate their invasive presence.
“I believe the iguana might have arrived here through a shipment of plants, or perhaps it escaped from a pet owner,” speculated wildlife expert Brueggen. He theorized that the iguana could have entered the area inadvertently, given the common methods of its introduction.
Brueggen acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that while he does not advocate for harming the iguana, its presence has led to significant issues in South Florida. “These reptiles have established a substantial population in the region, primarily due to escapes or intentional releases,” he explained.
Although green iguanas are generally non-aggressive and pose no direct threat to humans, their impact on local flora is significant. They are known to consume a variety of plants, with a particular fondness for hibiscus flowers, which has led to considerable frustration among local gardeners.