Iguana invasion: Wild population surge puts Thai officials on edge, sparks import halt pondering

The increased iguana population in the wild across numerous provinces in Thailand has provoked the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to consider halting the importation of the species.

Attapon Charoenchansa, the department’s director-general, revealed yesterday that the decision comes on the heels of an uptick in iguana sightings in natural habitats and urban areas.

“The burgeoning number of free-roaming iguanas has sparked concerns over potential health risks and crossbreeding.”

Attapon noted that the situation is exacerbated by the fact that many people keep the reptiles as pets without the need to declare ownership.

While he emphasised that the responsibility to care for the creatures until their natural death and to properly dispose of their remains lies with the owners, he also warned that releasing them into the wild is unlawful and comes with penalties. These could include jail terms and fines of up to 50,000 baht.

Notably, while the import of iguanas has been allowed in the past, there was an obligation to report such imports. Between 1990 and last year, a total of 11,622 iguanas were legally introduced into the country, while 1,390 were shipped abroad, reported Bangkok Post.

Attapon, responding to recent discoveries of a large iguana population running wild in Lop Buri province, has directed team members to conduct a nationwide survey of the iguana population. Reports suggest that a significant number of these reptiles were released from a closed hotel.

In related news, Nam Chok, an elderly elephant who has given rides to tourists in Pattaya for decades, has been granted retirement. In her sixties, she was released by her owner into the care of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), a sanctuary that offers a refuge for elephants.

Nam Chok, who is partially sighted, is suspected to have been captured from the wild and has spent the majority of her life in captivity. She was recently employed at a trekking camp in Pattaya where she provided entertainment and rides for tourists. Read more about this story HERE.