Florida is 'Raining Iguanas.' Will the Invasive Species Adapt?

Due to significantly colder temperatures on the East Coast of the United States, Florida is suffering from a large population of unaccustomed iguanas.  Green iguanas are a prevelent invaisve species in Florida that are accustomed to warm, tropical climates in order to thrive.  When temperature drop below 40-50 degrees Farenheit, their blood flow slows down and they fall into a deep sleep, similar to a coma, that last until their bodies are warmed to a survivable temperature.  But, if the iguanas cannot get their internal body temps to rise, then they die.  This is causing the invasive species to significantl decline, which is threatening their ability to sustain a population in the Florida state area.  Due to green iguanes native habitat being trees, once their bodies cool to low enough temperatures, they are falling from their homes, making it seem as though Florida is "raining iguanas."  This article has an interesting and direct relation to our recent chapter which included whether invasive species are always harmful.

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/01/iguana-invasive-reptiles-cold-weather-frozen-florida-spd/

Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 22, 2018 at 4:53 AM

    It is very interesting that they almost go into a "coma" once their body temperatures drop, and that they can come out of it as easily as their bodies warming up.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2018 at 11:44 AM

    I agree with Hannah. It is interesting that these iguanas can just wake up from their "comas" as soon as their bodies reach a certain temperature. This process could be the beginning of the iguanas trying to adapt to their colder environment. Hopefully, over time, these iguanas will perfect this adaptation until it best suits them.

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