On February 16, this year, an invasive Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) was discovered in a residential area on the island of St Eustatius by STENAPA, the National Parks Foundation. It is not known whether the animal was brought to the island as a pet and escaped or was released, or whether it arrived via cargo ship or other means. However, the discovery of this adult female individual forms a great potential threat to the endangered Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima), which is native to the island and endemic to the Lesser Antilles. The invasive Green iguana, is causing ecological havoc on other islands in the region as it hybridizes readily with the Lesser Antillean Iguana and is also a powerful competitor for the more docile Lesser Antillean species.
Read more: Rapid Response – Green Iguana (PDF)
For further information or questions or suggestions please contact:
Dr. Adolphe Debrot
Project Leader, IMARES Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands
dolfi.debrot@wur.nl
