The recent capture of a substantial green iguana in Adelaide has amplified concerns from The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) regarding the escalating threat of invasive species throughout New Providence and surrounding regions. BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle verified the incident occurred Saturday, confirming coordinated response efforts with the Department of Agriculture.
Anderson-Rolle emphasized the increasing frequency of green iguana sightings, highlighting the nation’s inadequate preparedness for addressing biological invasions. She revealed ongoing discussions with environmental planning authorities to secure critical funding from the JEFF Global Environment Facility, essential for implementing a nationwide mitigation strategy.
The current national invasive species framework, acknowledged as obsolete by conservation experts, requires immediate governmental attention. While BNT develops specialized protocols for managing invasives within national parks, Anderson-Rolle stresses that comprehensive intervention demands centralized leadership.
Ecologically destructive by nature, green iguanas—non-native to Bahamian ecosystems—devour vegetation, devastate agricultural lands, and compromise structural integrity through extensive burrowing along waterways and foundations. These reptiles aggressively displace indigenous wildlife, particularly native lizard species and iguanas, in competition for resources and habitat.
Public vigilance is paramount, Anderson-Rolle advised. Residents encountering green iguanas should immediately report sightings to agricultural authorities and safely contain the animals whenever possible before contacting departmental animal control services.