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Posted by Jim Duquesnel on 17:12:56 08/08/04
In Reply to: Arch Creek/Enchanted Forest Parks posted by Jim king ,MDParks
Regarding your closing statement: "Green Iguanas have apparantly invaded the Arch Creek area. Several in mangroves along the creek, could be a potential threat to nesting Green-backed Herons."
Most authorities maintain that wild-living adult green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are strict vegetarians, and no more of a threat to your heron nests than rabbits or deer would be. However, deer and rabbits do not climb trees, and there remains the possibility that a large iguana could inadvertantly disturb a bird nest. Also, pet iguanas can be taught to accept all sorts of unnatural and even unhealthy fare (dog food, egg, meat, etc.) that their digestive systems are not designed to handle properly. In either case, first hand observations are needed. If anyone has an opportunity to document any iguanas disturbing nests, eggs, or nestling birds, please report it. Take photos if you can. This website would be a fine place to post such an observation, I am certain some interested agency biologist (from FFWCC, most likely) would contact you for more details. Jim Duquesnel
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