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Wildlife Pet Trade: Green Iguana
The green iguana (Iguana iguana) are amongst the most popular reptile pets within the United States. The native range for this species include Central America, South America, and some eastern Caribbean islands. They are among the largest lizards inhabiting the Americas with males growing up to 6 feet long. These reptiles are primarily herbivores and feed on leaves, flowers, and fruit. Green iguanas are diurnal and possess excellent climbing and swimming abilities.

Pet Appeal
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. Consumers can purchase juvenile iguanas for a relatively low price and small size. Additionally, iguanas tend to have unique personalities and can live up to 20 years in captivity.

Importation
With the increased popularity of the green iguana, millions of individuals are imported into the United States as exotic pets. Between 1996 and 2012, the green iguana accounted for 46% of the total reptile trade within the US. Importation of the green iguana in Florida began in the early 1960s and has grown ever since.

The green iguana has also seen a surge of importation in the Greater Caribbean Region. A study done on invasive iguanas in Puerto Rico found that the sample population were mostly the product of populations originating from Columbia and El Salvador. Both countries contain several industrial-size pet iguana farming operations.

Green Iguanas as an Invasive Species and Impacts
The green iguana has become invasive in South Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Puerto Rico. This is mostly attributed to the exotic pet trade. 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.

Green iguanas have become an invasive species due to escaped or released individuals. 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 are also carriers of various diseases such as E. coli and Salmonella which can cause life-threatening illness in human beings. This can be passed on through feces-contaminated water and surfaces. Iguanas are also hazardous in large populations and have been held responsible for vehicle accidents. Green iguanas are not immune to cold snaps in temperature and are seen falling from trees after becoming stiff and lethargic, also posing a health risk to those below.

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.