TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA, 林業及自然保育署) has intensified efforts to combat the invasive green iguana threat, removing 36,543 iguanas nationwide by Wednesday (April 30), tripling last year's figures. This initiative, launched in 2025, aims to protect agriculture and the ecosystem from these non-native species. Local governments have conducted 15 training sessions, certifying 1,635 personnel to enhance removal capabilities.
The FANCA announced that the government has upgraded the "Natural Disaster Rapid Reporting System" (農作物天然災害即時回報系統) app, allowing real-time updates on iguana removals. This system, integrated with a digital dashboard, publicly shares monthly removal results. The agency emphasized the importance of targeting mature female iguanas and destroying nests and eggs to curb reproduction during this critical breeding period.
Since banning iguana imports in June 2015, Taiwan has declared the species a potential ecological threat. Despite these measures, iguana numbers have risen, especially in the south. In response, the FANCA formed an iguana removal task force on Dec. 5 last year. It has established four indigenous hunter patrol teams to tackle challenging terrains, supported by nine government removal squads.
Also, the Taiwan Agriculture Research Institute (農業試驗所) has developed a comprehensive guide, including capture instructions and training materials, ensuring consistent system application and smooth operation.