Taiwan Bounty Hunters Kill Iguana Invaders

Taiwan is facing an unusual but serious problem: a rapid increase in green iguanas. These non-native reptiles, originally brought as pets from Central and South America, have multiplied uncontrollably. Their once peaceful introduction to the island has turned into a massive headache for farmers and the environment.

The Unlikely Invasion

What started as a few exotic pets has now become a widespread issue. Many iguanas were either abandoned or escaped into Taiwan’s warm climate, which turned out to be ideal for breeding. Fast forward to today, and the island is dealing with an iguana population explosion, particularly in the southern regions, where they damage crops and disrupt local ecosystems.

Bounty Hunters Step In

To fight this growing threat, Taiwan has hired a group of “iguanas hunters.” Wu Cheng-hua, one of the many dedicated hunters, takes up his slingshot after his breakfast shift, ready to track down and capture the invasive reptiles. Wu is part of a team employed by Pingtung County, who receive payment for every iguana they catch, making it a literal bounty hunt.

“Some days, we catch as many as 300 iguanas,” Wu shares, though there are also slower days when only a few iguanas are captured. Regardless of the number, each catch plays a part in controlling the problem.

Tools of the Trade

Equipped with harpoon slingshots and rubber boots, hunters are on the lookout in Taiwan’s dense forests and tree canopies where iguanas love to hang out. Hunting is not always straightforward; the iguanas are well-hidden amidst leaves and branches, sometimes evading capture after several shots. Once caught, the iguanas are quickly restrained to prevent escape, and the hunt continues.

The Iguana Population Boom

The problem isn’t going away anytime soon. With over 200,000 iguanas estimated to roam Taiwan, experts fear that the numbers will continue to rise. Each female iguana can lay dozens of eggs, contributing to the ever-growing population. Climate change has only made the situation worse, with warmer winters and less rainfall providing perfect conditions for iguana babies to survive. Wildlife expert Chen Tien-hsi calls it a “perfect storm” for iguana growth.

Farmers Struggle with Crop Damage

For farmers like Cheng Hui-jung, this invasion is more than a nuisance. Her crops, especially red beans, are regularly raided by the iguanas. Despite her efforts to protect the fields with fishing nets, the iguanas continue to destroy the crops, leading to significant frustration.

“They are so quick,” Cheng says, highlighting the difficulty in capturing the fast-moving lizards. She worries that if the problem persists, other farmers might give up growing crops altogether.

Everyone Can Join the Fight

Interestingly, regular citizens are also getting involved in the effort. Initially frightened by the iguanas, Hsin Tseng-kuan eventually joined a government-sponsored training session, where she learned how to safely and efficiently catch the reptiles using a snare pole.

“They really look like tiny dinosaurs!” Hsin laughs, having overcome her initial fear. With more people like Hsin learning how to help, the iguana control efforts are expanding beyond professional hunters.

Humane Solutions: A Delicate Balance

While animal rights groups like PETA call for humane control methods, including non-lethal options, the hunters are focused on efficiency. Some believe air guns could be a better tool for the job, but gun regulations in Taiwan make that difficult. Regardless, both hunters and conservationists aim to minimize suffering while curbing the iguana population.

A Hard Day’s Work

As the sun sets, Wu and his team finish another day of hunting. Despite catching 14 iguanas in just three hours, they continue to face a daunting task. The iguanas, some of which are still alive and injured, are placed in plastic boxes before being humanely euthanized. Once that’s done, the government incinerates them to prevent further harm.

While Wu admits that hunting is harder than his day job as a cook, he finds satisfaction in helping the local farmers protect their crops. “If we didn’t do this, iguanas would eat everything,” Wu says. “It’s sad to see farmers lose their crops.”

A Fight That Must Continue

Taiwan’s battle against the green iguana invasion is far from over. With growing iguana numbers and significant damage to crops, the island’s citizens, bounty hunters, and government officials must continue their efforts. The fight to protect Taiwan’s environment and agriculture remains crucial.

What do you think? Can Taiwan get this iguana invasion under control? Share your thoughts and stay updated on the latest news.