By KHT Staff. AI-generated illustration of two iguanas on a park walkway, based on reference photographs provided by member of the public.
KAOHSIUNG — A territorial dispute between two giant green iguanas (綠鬣蜥), each measuring approximately two meters long, was captured on video at the Old Railroad Bridge Education Wetland Zone (舊鐵橋濕地公園) in Dashu District (大樹區) on Sunday, highlighting the ongoing invasive species issue in the area.
A local resident from Jhuliao Village (竹寮里) filmed the encounter near the park’s visitor center. The footage shows one iguana retreating up a set of stairs before another massive iguana emerges from the brush to chase it away, eventually forcing the fleeing lizard to jump into the water to escape.
Jhuliao Village Warden Cheng Jung-hua (鄭榕華) stated that green iguanas prefer aquatic environments and are frequently sighted at the wetland zone and along the Jhuliao River (竹寮溝). Cheng noted that he has personally captured several iguanas after they entered residential homes.
“I have reported the issue to the competent authorities multiple times for capture, but the wetlands park has a vast area,” Cheng said. “When approached, the iguanas quickly dive into the water and escape, leaving us feeling helpless.”
According to experts, the mating season for green iguanas runs from October to February. During this period, male iguanas exhibit extreme territorial awareness and frequently engage in fierce conflicts to secure optimal sunbathing spots, high branches, and mating rights. Cheng believes the aggressive chase captured on video was likely a territorial dispute between two males.
Beyond territorial displays, the invasive reptiles are causing significant agricultural and botanical damage. Cheng reported that the iguanas are treating the park’s newly planted vegetation as a food source.
“The newly planted zinnias in the wetlands park were almost entirely eaten,” Cheng said. “Other plants are growing safely, likely because they do not suit the iguanas’ taste.”
