Florida Species Affected by Invasive Iguanas
People love Florida’s wildlife. Iguanas don’t. They eat native plants, raid nests, and dig burrows that break down shorelines. Here’s the short guide for our coast.
Sea Turtles (nests on local beaches)
Iguana burrows weaken dunes and paths to the beach. Loose sand and holes make it easier for waves to cut into nesting areas. Iguanas may also disturb nests while digging for new burrows or looking for food.
- Less stable dunes means more nest washouts.
- Fresh burrows create hazards for hatchlings and people.
Protecting dunes and keeping iguanas off access points helps sea turtle nests on Manasota and Casey Key.
Shorebirds & Wading Birds
Iguanas climb well and will eat tender shoots, flowers, and sometimes eggs if they find a nest. Fewer shrubs and groundcover near the shore means less shelter for chicks.
- Loss of native cover around rookeries and spoil islands.
- Nest disturbance when iguanas bask or move through colonies.
Keeping vegetation intact is key for terns, skimmers, and herons to raise young.
Mangroves & Coastal Plants
Iguanas strip leaves and new growth from mangroves, sea grape, and other shoreline plants. That slows growth and reduces natural erosion control.
- Less canopy and fewer roots to hold banks and seawalls.
- More sediment in canals after heavy rain or wakes.
Healthy mangroves protect property and water quality. Iguanas chip away at both.
Dune Plants & Native Landscapes
They love flowers, fruit, and tender shoots. Native dunes and butterfly gardens take the hit first. Repeated feeding knocks out the very plants that hold sand in place.
- Garden loss, then dune loss. In that order.
- Higher costs to replant and stabilize.
Stopping feeding damage early saves far more than a replant after a storm.
Burrows: Banks, Seawalls, and Canals
Iguanas dig 3–6 inch holes that branch into long tunnels. Banks slump, pavers settle, and cracks form in seawall caps. Sediment clouds nearby water after rains.
- Undermined edges invite more erosion and failure.
- Murky water is bad for seagrass and everything that needs it.
Remove burrowers and close tunnels in layers. Then block dig zones so they can’t restart.
“Backyard Favorites” People Notice
Hibiscus, bougainvillea, orchids, veggie beds, citrus seedlings, and butterfly host plants. Iguanas mow them down. Kids and pets run into droppings on decks and docks.
- Loss of shade and privacy screening.
- Sanitation issues around pools and play areas.
If you see daily leaf loss or piles of droppings, numbers are already climbing.