Diario Libre alerts that green iguanas are reproducing in the Dominican Republic at alarming rates and represent a major threat to local wildlife. Environmentalists say the iguana is running wild in Los Haitises and Peravia province and is a threat to local species.
The reptile was noticed on 3 October 2018 by an tour group photographer Natanael Kelly in Cayo las Aves, in the National Park Los Haitises who sounded the alarm. Guide Wilfredo Benjamin later confirmed the identity of the species and said it was a first time the iguana was sighted in the park. The Cayo las Aves area, which is 145 meters long by 50 meters wide, is a major attraction for tourists arriving on boat for his natural exuberance.
Its scientific name is of the creature is Iguana iguana and it is a native of Central and South America. It can measure up to two meters long and weigh 15 kg. It reproduces in February. Because of its capacity to turn green, it can hide well in the forests.
As reported in Diario Libre, Dr. Stesha Pasachnik of the International Iguana Foundation, who has for years researched iguanas in the country, said the species is a threat to local fauna. “The invasion of the green iguanas outside of their natural distribution is a real threat that could lead to a widespread problem in the Caribbean. Islands such as Puerto Rico and Grand Cayman are being invaded by the species. She said the first green iguanas were reported in 2012, but the problem has been growing and she called for measures to eradicate the species because of its threat to the survival of native wild fauna, infrastructure and tourism.
Ernst Rupp, Grupo Jaragua researcher, said that the green iguanas have been sighted in Paya, Baní. He also called for a plan for their eradication.
Diario Libre cites an article in El Nuevo Dia in Puerto Rico whereby the reptiles were said to have damaged highways, delayed airline flights, eliminated entire ornamental flora in gardens and crop harvests, leaving their feces in pools and Jacuzzis and interrupting the electricity service. He said the species was introduced as a pet in Puerto Rico in the 1960s.
In the Dominican Republic there are two endemic iguana species – Iguana Rinoceronte (Cyclura cornuta) and the Ricord (Cyclura ricordi). Both species are in danger of extinction.
In the Dominican Republic the domestication and marketing of the green iguana is illegal. Nevertheless, these green iguanas can be seen for sale at stands along the 6 de Noviembre highway, and in Paya in Baní, Peravia.
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Diario Libre
22 October 2018
