To report a green iguana sighting and/or to have iguanas removed from your property, please call the following numbers:
- Grand Cayman: 949-1544 (Cull manager)
- Cayman Brac: 917-7744 (Wildlife Hotline, please call immediately)
- Little Cayman: 925-7625 (Wildlife Hotline, please call immediately)
Green Iguanas have been present on Grand Cayman for more than 30 years, with only occasional sightings reported in 1994. It is thought there were multiple introductions as the original iguanas were brought over for both pet trade and as a food source. Certain individuals were intentionally released or escaped and their numbers have increased dramatically. The DoE started population surveys in August 2014, and since has shown exponential growth up to concerted control efforts.
Before the start of widespread control efforts on Grand Cayman in November 2018 (updates on this can be found in Flicker publications, issue #39 onwards), the problems of green iguana overpopulation were obvious and effecting daily public life as well as the ecosystem. The issues included, but were not limited to:
- Degradation or complete destruction of vegetation. Green iguanas are voracious herbivores that will eat leaves, flowers and emerging buds. This causes economic losses for farmers, as well as problems for gardeners and landscapers.
- Hybridisation and potential disease vector with native, endangered rock iguanas. In 2016 a hybrid of a green iguana and Sister Islands rock iguana was confirmed. Through ‘genetic dilution’ or creating sterile offspring, this would change rock iguanas as we know them or hinder production of the next generation. The Department of Environment, Blue Iguana Conservation and Wildlife Conservation Society are currently collaborating to determine if green iguanas are the vector behind several mortalities of blue iguanas from a strain of helicobacter.
- Public health and safety issues from road collisions and defecating in recreational pools. Road traffic collisions with green iguanas was an incredibly regular occurrence as the numbers grew exponentially, making iguana hazards on roads more likely. Delays at Owen Roberts International Airport could be caused by green iguanas on the runway, needing removal before aircraft could land safely. The green iguanas also seek out calm bodies of water to defecate, causing health hazards for pool users and increased maintenance costs for pool owners.
Green Iguanas have also made their way to the Sister Islands, but are currently in the initial stages of invasion at very low numbers.
If you see a green iguana in the Sister Islands, please call the wildlife hotline with your location immediately to report.
Quick responses are needed to capture the individual before it has the opportunity to escape and possibly breed. The DoE works with volunteer response groups to coordinate efforts when a report is made.
To report a green iguana sighting and/or to have iguanas removed from your property, please call the following numbers:
- Grand Cayman: 949-1544 (Cull manager) or email
- Cayman Brac: 917-7744 (Wildlife Hotline, please call immediately)
- Little Cayman: 925-7625 (Wildlife Hotline, please call immediately)
Alternatively, you may email doe@gov.ky