Funding for green iguana hunting has run out, and the Nanjing city government has proposed a ban on hunting. Central News Agency CNA

Tainan City Cancels Green Iguana Hunting Contract

The Tainan City Government has canceled this year’s hunting contract for green iguanas due to a lack of funds. The Agriculture Bureau confirmed that unauthorized hunting or trapping of these iguanas will lead to penalties under the Wildlife Conservation Act.

City Councilor Li Zhonglin shared that an official document revealed budget insufficiencies for the green iguana program. Staff are now prohibited from capturing iguanas without permission. Li criticized the decision, questioning how the Agriculture Bureau plans to control the iguana population when it limits hunting. He emphasized the urgent need for supportive measures to prevent the spread of these invasive creatures.

The Agriculture Bureau acknowledged that they had signed a contract for hunting but had to cancel it. They attributed this decision to budget constraints after exhausting a subsidy of 2.2 million yuan provided by the Ministry of Agriculture. Before the contract expired in October, contractors had captured over 10,000 iguanas, but the Bureau expressed concerns about the iguanas’ reproductive capacity if hunting continues to be restricted.

The Bureau clarified that green iguanas are classified as an invasive species that requires removal. Despite the restrictions, removal operations must comply with existing laws, and trained professionals need a license to participate. The goal is to manage the iguana population effectively while adhering to legal requirements.

Li Zhonglin urged a review of policies and budget allocations to support effective green iguana control in Tainan.