Taiwan is planning to cull up to 120,000 green iguanas in a bid to protect its agriculture from the growing menace posed by the invasive species. The reptiles, which have no natural predators on the island, are causing significant damage to crops, particularly in southern and central Taiwan where agriculture is a key part of the local economy, as reported by AP.

Green iguanas were initially introduced to Taiwan as exotic pets, but as they grew larger and lived longer than their owners anticipated, many were released into the wild. This unregulated release allowed the iguanas to thrive in Taiwan’s climate, where they have reproduced rapidly and taken over forests and agricultural land. The island’s Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency estimates that there are now around 200,000 iguanas across the southern and central regions, with populations expected to continue growing.

In response to this escalating problem, local authorities have resorted to special hunting teams, which have already culled 70,000 iguanas last year. These teams are being incentivised with bounties of up to $15 per iguana. However, environmental groups have called for humane methods of culling, urging the use of fishing spears as a less painful option.

The green iguanas pose a significant threat to local crops, including fruits and vegetables, with their voracious appetite and high reproductive rate. Females can lay up to 80 eggs at a time, further exacerbating the species' spread. The introduction of this non-native species into Taiwan's ecosystem has disrupted the natural balance, creating challenges for local farmers who rely on the land for their livelihoods.

While the culling of the iguanas is seen as a necessary measure to protect Taiwan's agricultural sector, it has sparked debate over how to manage invasive species without causing unnecessary harm to the animals. As the culling campaign continues, authorities remain focused on restoring balance to the island’s ecosystem while mitigating the impact on agriculture.