Animals

Green Iguanas Devastate Taiwanese Farms

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By Hank Hsu/Sandy Chi

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Green iguanas are causing huge problems for red bean farmers in southern Taiwan's Pingtung County, devouring large portions of their crops. Despite government efforts, the invasive species shows no signs of retreat.

 

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Invasion of Green Iguanas Poses Threat to Taiwan's Red Bean Farmers 

In southern Taiwan's Pingtung County, the recent surge in green iguanas has created a troubling situation for local red bean farmers. These reptiles, introduced as pets but now thriving in the wild, have proliferated at an alarming rate, endangering crops and threatening farmers' livelihoods. 

Green iguanas are aggressive eaters, particularly in the lush red bean fields planted each October. Unlike Taiwan's native wildlife, these invasive iguanas feast on young plants in broad daylight, swiftly damaging fields. Local farmer Chung Ming-chuan reports substantial losses, estimating the cost of planting each plot at around US$600, losses made heavier by the iguanas consuming the crops faster than they can grow. 

Some farmers have tried defending their crops by erecting nets. However, as Lin Chun-hung explains, nets only catch the smaller iguanas, while larger ones tear through. Besides being costly, this method proves ineffective for long-term protection. 

The issue has even led farmers to use fishing nets in attempts to capture the iguanas, a practice that echoes local frustrations. "We’re not fishers catching fish; we’re here to catch iguanas, and it brings no income," says farmer Li Chien-hui, reflecting the financial and emotional toll this task takes on them. Some farmers feel their work is unsustainable, even contemplating switching professions. 

With many farmers increasingly disillusioned, community leaders have stepped in. Pingtung County Councilor Hung Tsung-chi has documented over 100 complaints from affected farmers, urging the local government to take action. In response, hunters have been deployed to remove the iguanas at night, using slingshots and snake tongs to capture hundreds in a single outing. 

Despite these efforts, the green iguana population has skyrocketed from 4,000 to over 34,000 in recent years, showing no signs of decline. As the iguanas continue to endanger red bean crops, local farmers and authorities are emphasizing the importance of eradicating this invasive species to protect the area’s agricultural future and its people’s livelihoods.