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Current Herpetology
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Abstract
Abstract:
This study investigated the frequency and distribution of reports of free-living green iguanas (Iguana iguana), a Neotropical lizard, in Hong Kong. We found 44 reports of I. iguana, of which 93% were removed from the wild. Thirty-nine reports were records kept by one non-government organization, one report from a government agency, and four reports from community members. Reports were sporadic between 2002 and 2011, but have occurred in every calendar year since 2012, predominately during March, July and October. Report locations were distributed broadly across 16 administrative districts, including heavily developed city areas, indicative of released or escaped pets being the source. Although there was evidence of two individuals living in one locality, we found no major concentrations of reports to indicate established populations. Nevertheless, these data should not be assumed benign since some established populations of I. iguana elsewhere have only become evident following prolonged periods of sporadic reports. It is therefore plausible that emerging reports in Hong Kong may represent a contemporary invasion presently under way. Public reporting of I. iguana plays an important role in preventative invasive species management. However, we also found cases where I. iguana reported as free-living were more likely the same captive I. iguana, highlighting potential errors with community science.
Dan Rosenberg, Chris Wu and Sindy Sham shared their observations and permitted the use of their photographs. Paul Crow and Liz Rose-Jeffreys provided data held by the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden. Davie Luk provided information on the I. iguana collected by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. We also thank Dr Billy Hau Chi Hang (School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong) and Dr Sung Yik Hei (Conservation Ecology Lab, Lingnan University) for their assistance. Useful comments from two anonymous reviewers improved the manuscript.
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