Taiwan Intensifies Battle Against Invasive Green Iguanas: Over 36,000 Culled in Four Months

Facing a Growing Threat to Agriculture and Ecosystems, Taiwan Ramps Up Efforts to Control Invasive Green Iguana Population.

Taipei, April 30 – Taiwan is significantly escalating its efforts to combat the invasive green iguana population. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) reported that over 36,000 green iguanas have been culled since the beginning of the year, representing a substantial increase compared to the same period in 2024.

The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), in collaboration with local governments, launched the campaign to address the ecological and agricultural threats posed by the invasive species. The agency highlighted that the current period, encompassing the dry season from April to September, is particularly crucial for controlling the iguana population due to their breeding patterns. The focus is on removing mature female iguanas, as well as destroying their nests and eggs.

FANCA has deployed four teams of indigenous hunters alongside nine professional teams commissioned by local governments to eliminate the iguanas in the wild. Statistics reveal that a total of 36,543 green iguanas have been culled this year, a threefold increase compared to the previous year.

In addition to culling, local governments have conducted 15 training sessions, educating 1,635 individuals on iguana removal and control strategies.

Taiwan implemented a ban on the importation of green iguanas in June 2015 and officially classified them as an invasive species in September 2020. This classification mandated pet registration and prohibited unauthorized breeding. Despite these measures, the green iguana population, particularly in southern Taiwan, has continued to grow.

Introduced as pets approximately 20 to 30 years ago, the green iguana population has since exploded, with an estimated 200,000 reptiles in southern and central Taiwan. Taiwan began its culling program nearly a decade ago, and the government aims to cull 120,000 iguanas this year.

The MOA established a green iguana control task force on December 5, 2024. Furthermore, an update to the agricultural damage reporting app now includes a dedicated section for reporting and removing green iguanas, allowing professionals to share information and photographs of captured animals.

To incentivize culling efforts, the ministry offers a bounty of NT$500 (US$15.64) for each iguana captured exceeding 30 centimeters in length, and NT$200 for those under 30 cm, for professionals. The general public receives half these amounts.