PINGTUNG, Taiwan — In response to the increasing impact of green iguanas on its agricultural sector, Taiwan has announced an initiative to cull up to 120,000 of these reptiles. Advocates for animal welfare are pushing for methods to ensure that this population control is conducted humanely.

Current estimates place the number of green iguanas in Taiwan, particularly in the southern and central farming regions, at around 200,000. According to Chiu Kuo-hao from the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, this growth is problematic for local agriculture. Last year, specialized hunting teams successfully culled approximately 70,000 iguanas, with hunters receiving bounties of up to $15 for each iguana captured. Local authorities are encouraging community involvement in locating iguana nests, recommending the use of fishing spears as a more humane option for exterminating these creatures.

Lee Chi-ya from the agricultural department in Pingtung explains that many iguanas were initially purchased as pets without owners realizing the size and longevity of the animals, leading to their release into the wild. This has allowed iguanas to reproduce rapidly, creating a significant population that now requires intervention to restore ecological balance.

The green iguana, which lacks natural predators in Taiwan, has adapted well to the environment, establishing itself in remote forest areas and urban fringes. Males can reach lengths of up to 2 feet (6.6 feet) and weigh around 5 kilograms (11 pounds), with a lifespan of up to 20 years, while females can produce as many as 80 eggs in one clutch. Although they are not inherently aggressive, these reptiles come equipped with sharp tails, jaws, and teeth. Their diet mainly consists of fruits, leaves, and vegetation, with the occasional small animal.

While they have gained popularity as pets, many iguanas suffer in captivity and often do not survive past one year due to improper care. Hsu Wei-chieh, the secretary general of the Reptile Conservation Association of Taiwan, expressed the organization’s commitment to educating farmers on safety measures, property protection, and humane treatment of iguanas.

“We’re dedicated to ensuring the success of this project,” Hsu stated. Vegetable farmer Tsai Po-wen from Pingtung shared his positive experiences with the training, noting, “Previously, we would simply attack them, but that proved ineffective. We’re now gaining knowledge on more effective and safer techniques.”