page_title: Green iguana in captivity
section_title: Legalities
hierarchical_section_title: Green iguana in captivity / Legalities
caption_attribution_description: Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
context_page_description: The Green Iguana has become popular in the pet trade – over 800,000 animals were imported into the United States alone during 1995, primarily originating from captive farming operations based in their native countries. They can live to be 30 years old as reported by owners. In 1998 a National Iguana Awareness Day was established to discourage consumers from viewing iguanas as "disposable pets". Despite the low cost and "mass market" appeal of these animals they are demanding to care for properly over the course of their lifetimes. More often than not, diet, lighting, and other housing conditions for green iguana are inadequate, causing 70% of green iguanas in captivity to die within their first year of life.
context_section_description: In some locales, iguanas are considered exotic pets, and may be prohibited (New York City and Hawaii), or a special license or permit may be needed to own an iguana.  Hawaii has strict regulations regarding the import and possession of Green iguanas, violators can spend three years in jail and fined up to $200,000.
  Green iguanas are considered an invasive species in South Florida and along the gulf coast of Florida from Key West to Pinellas County. Over the years escaped and intentionally released iguanas from the pet trade survived and then thrived in their new habitat. They commonly hide in the attics of houses and on beaches and destroy gardens and landscaping. As reptiles can carry salmonella and other bacteria, combined with destruction of fragile native threatened and endangered species and habitats in the unique environment of the Florida Keys, many advocate for legislation to regulate the trade in iguanas and advocate their eradication in the wild.
caption: An old, male green iguana
exif: {}