12-31-2022, 05:06 PM
Every time they have a cold spell iguanas become immobilized and fall from the trees. They are not native to Florida and they can't handle the lower temperatures.
It is a difficult situation. They are totally vulnerable and many don't make it. That is sad. On the other hand, they are invasive and create problems for local wildlife.
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/weat...758913007/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...orida.html
Wild iguanas would be hard to catch when they are fully active. If they wanted to reduce the numbers in the wild, they should be prepared to collect the cold stunned iguanas. They could organize a rescue program that saves the immobile iguanas and removes them from the ecosystem. If they did this every time there is a cold spell they could get the invasive reptile problem under control. There are other reptiles that would be easy to remove from the wild in a cold spell.
It could be done humanely. Florida is missing a chance to let nature help with a problem that we created.
It is a difficult situation. They are totally vulnerable and many don't make it. That is sad. On the other hand, they are invasive and create problems for local wildlife.
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/weat...758913007/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...orida.html
Wild iguanas would be hard to catch when they are fully active. If they wanted to reduce the numbers in the wild, they should be prepared to collect the cold stunned iguanas. They could organize a rescue program that saves the immobile iguanas and removes them from the ecosystem. If they did this every time there is a cold spell they could get the invasive reptile problem under control. There are other reptiles that would be easy to remove from the wild in a cold spell.
It could be done humanely. Florida is missing a chance to let nature help with a problem that we created.