The green iguana, a herbivorous reptile native to Central, South America, and the Caribbean, is a sizable lizard species. While commonly referred to simply as "iguanas," these creatures are distinct due to their large size, with males reaching lengths of nearly 5 feet. Encountering an iguana unexpectedly can be quite a sight.

In the United States, apart from feral populations in the Florida Keys, Hawaii, and Texas, most iguanas are kept as pets in indoor and outdoor cages. When provided with adequate light and heat, they thrive in these settings. As cold-blooded reptiles, iguanas rely on basking in the sun multiple times a day to maintain their body temperature within the ideal range. Consequently, the Florida Keys, with their abundant sunshine and sub-tropical climate, have become an ideal habitat for green iguanas.

The presence of iguanas in the Florida Keys can be attributed to various factors. It is believed that some green iguanas unintentionally hitched a ride on ships transporting fruit from South America. Over time, their population grew, and additional individuals were introduced when owners released their unwanted pets into the wild. There are also speculations that some iguanas escaped from the pet trade.

The relationship between Key West residents and iguanas is a subject of extensive debate. Many residents, not just in Key West but also in other keys, view iguanas as unwelcome guests in their homes or yards. They consider them a nuisance that needs to be dealt with promptly. This negative sentiment stems from the iguanas' voracious appetite for flowers and fruits. In a matter of minutes, a single iguana can destroy newly planted flowering or fruiting plants, leading to understandable frustration among their owners.

However, there are residents who hold a more nuanced perspective, arguing that iguanas may not be as detrimental as others claim. While they acknowledge that iguanas do consume flowering plants as part of their diet, they believe that the damage they cause is not as significant as some would suggest. These residents see iguanas as adding character to the keys and contributing more positively than negatively.

Taking a broader view beyond gardening issues, it becomes apparent that iguanas pose greater problems than initially assumed. They have developed a preference for certain endangered plant species, posing a threat to the local environment. In fact, iguanas are now considered an invasive species that harms critical plants, insects, and even the burrowing owl population. 🦖🦖👀🏝️😳🤣



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