Taiwan’s agricultural sector is facing an unprecedented challenge as authorities announce plans to cull up to 120,000 green iguanas that are threatening the island’s farming communities.

The invasive species, which has flourished in Taiwan’s southern and central regions, has grown to an estimated population of 200,000, according to Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency official Chiu Kuo-hao.

The problem stems from well-intentioned pet owners who released their iguanas into the wild, unaware of the environmental consequences. These Central American natives have found Taiwan’s climate particularly hospitable, leading to rapid reproduction rates. Females can lay up to 80 eggs at a time, and the males can grow to impressive sizes — up to 2 feet long and weighing 5 kilograms.

Last year’s efforts saw hunting teams eliminate approximately 70,000 iguanas, with local governments offering bounties of up to $15 per animal. The current initiative emphasizes humane control methods, with fishing spears recommended as the most ethical approach. The reptiles, while equipped with sharp tails, jaws, and teeth, are not typically aggressive and primarily consume fruits, leaves, and plants.

The situation is particularly challenging because these iguanas have no natural predators in Taiwan and often inhabit hard-to-reach areas along forest edges and town peripheries. Local authorities are actively engaging with farmers and conservation groups to address the issue. The Reptile Conservation Association of Taiwan is working to educate farmers about safe and humane methods to protect their properties and manage the iguana population.

The initiative appears to be gaining traction among local farmers. Tsai Po-wen, a vegetable farmer in Pingtung, reports positive results from the new training programs, noting a shift from ineffective aggressive approaches to more strategic control methods.

Read more: Taiwan plans to cull up to 120,000 green iguanas due to their negative impact on agriculture

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