National

Unwanted Wildlife: How Invasive Green Iguanas Impact the Environment

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – With a dramatic drop in temperatures across the region, it is hard to miss the news of thousands of cold-stunned iguanas piling up across Florida.

Published

3 weeks ago

February 5, 2026

Jasmin Brown

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – With a dramatic drop in temperatures across the region, it is hard to miss the news of thousands of cold-stunned iguanas piling up across Florida.

It has prompted a cleanup campaign that led to the removal of thousands of the invasive species in the Sunshine State.

But there have also been recent sightings of green iguanas right here in New Providence. Earlier this week, two were spotted near a popular wetland sanctuary in the heart of New Providence.

The green iguana is becoming an increasingly concerning invasive species in The Bahamas, according to experts.

Elijah Sands, naturalist
“The green iguana is becoming an increasingly concerning invasive species here in The Bahamas. We’ve seen so many reports recently of people seeing iguanas.”

One of those sightings was reported by The Tribune newspaper last month following the capture of a large green iguana in Adelaide.

Sands says sightings of green iguanas are increasing and cautioned that the country’s response is lagging when it comes to dealing with the invasive species.

Elijah Sands, naturalist
“We’ve seen green iguanas in The Bahamas for many years, especially in islands like Bimini and the Berry Islands. There’s really thriving populations. People are starting to see them more in Nassau and the population is expanding.”

Those sightings were confirmed firsthand at wetlands just west of Baha Mar Boulevard, where two large green iguanas were observed within minutes.

While they are appearing in communities across the country, green iguanas are not native to The Bahamas.

In areas where they have established large populations, the reptiles are known to strip vegetation and impact infrastructure by burrowing underground.

It has become a major issue for Florida.

During a recent cold snap, more than 5,000 invasive green iguanas were removed from Florida’s ecosystems.

Sands says the last thing anyone wants is for The Bahamas to face an invasive green iguana problem on the scale seen in Florida, adding that a plan is needed before it becomes too late to reverse the impact on the ecosystem.