User:BeckxStrap/Green iguana in captivity

Green iguana in captivity
The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is the most globally traded reptile representing 46% of the total reptile trade in the US from 1996 and 2012, with annual imports reaching 1 million in 1996. In 1995, there were over 800,000 animals imported into the United States alone, primarily originating from captive farming operations based in their native countries (Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, and Panama). Green iguanas are known for their prehistoric and often colorful appearance. With the right upbringing, socializing, and training, these reptiles can become quite friendly and affectionate. They tend to have unique personalities and can live to be 30 years old as reported by owners. In 1998 a National Iguana Awareness Day (NIAD) was established to discourage consumers from viewing iguanas as "disposable pets". Despite the low cost and "mass market" appeal of these animals they are demanding to care for properly over the course of their lifetimes. More often than not, diet, lighting, and other housing conditions for green iguana are inadequate, causing 70% of green iguanas in captivity to die within their first year of life.

Size
People purchase iguanas due to the small size, low price, and apparent low cost of feeding of juvenile iguanas. Though small as juveniles, iguanas can grow to 6 feet in length and weigh about 20 pounds. They are among the largest lizards inhabiting the Americas. An iguana will not grow properly without a UVB light source. The UVB is necessary because captive iguanas do not get natural sunlight and this UVB allows the iguana to make vitamin D3. The purpose of vitamin D3 is to absorb calcium. Without being able to absorb calcium, the iguana develops Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). Metabolic Bone Disease causes soft bones, stunted growth, permanent bone deformities, frequent broken bones, loss of limbs and ultimately, death.

Invasiveness
Green iguanas are considered an invasive species in South Florida and along the gulf coast of Florida from Key West to Pinellas County. Hawaii, Texas, and Puerto Rico also experience an over abundance of green iguanas. While most captive iguanas die within their first year, numerous individuals are released into the wild or rehoused to rescue groups. Green iguanas are small as juveniles, but they can quickly become too large for some owners to handle and care for properly. Additionally, without frequent handling and socializing, these reptiles can become hostile to interact with. Their large tails and sharp teeth also pose a potential threat to their owners. Financial factors relating to diet and habitat needs are also seen difficult aspects to owning such lizards. Green iguanas require both time and commitment to raise successfully along.

Due to their size and high fecundity along with their large appetites cause the green iguana to become incredibly destructive to particular environments. The burrowing nature of these reptiles pose a threat to infrastructure as well as the potential to displace native species, such as the Florida Burrowing Owl and gopher tortoise. Green iguanas are known to damage residential and commercial landscape vegetation through their large appetite. In Florida, the iguanas have been known to eat the endangered tree snail as well as the host plants for the Miami Blue butterfly.

Green iguanas commonly hide in the attics of houses and on beaches and destroy gardens and landscaping. As reptiles can carry salmonella and other bacteria, combined with destruction of fragile native threatened and endangered species and habitats in the unique environment of the Florida Keys, many advocate for legislation to regulate the trade in iguanas and advocate their eradication in the wild.

Solving the Issue of Invasiveness
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission allows for the humane killing of green iguanas on private property. Additionally, citizens take steps to deter the iguana from damaging and entering their property through the removal of attracting plants, filling holes to eliminate burrowing, hanging wind chimes for noise deterrent, and displaying CDs to reflect potential intruders. Florida has recognized the green iguana as a prohibited species that can no longer be kept as a pet without a permit.