1-metre exotic Green Iguana spotted at Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim

This creature is not native to Singapore though.

Zhangxin Zheng | August 29, 2017, 10:26 AM

An exotic Green Iguana was spotted really chill by the roadside along Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim on Aug. 9 by Fadhli Jaffar, a member of Nature Society (Singapore) Facebook group.

This exotic Green Iguana was described to be about one metre in length. It was probably enjoying some warmth from the sun and heated ground.

A video of it lumbering alone in a rather clumsy but relaxed manner was also shared by Jaffar:

[video width="400" height="400" mp4="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2017/08/20721474_138326433432053_2263059186415828992_n.mp4"][/video]

Video Courtesy of Fadhli Jaffar

Photo Courtesy Of Fadhli Jaffar

Photo Courtesy Of Fadhli Jaffar

However, being non-native to Singapore, this iguana should not be seen in the wild like this.

This creature was most likely brought in and kept as a pet, but released to the wild.

According to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) website, iguanas are one of the reptiles that are illegal to be kept as pets in Singapore due to various reasons, including spreading diseases:

Screenshot of AVA website

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Green Iguanas have been observed to behave aggressively towards native Malayan water monitor lizards.

They also face difficulties in adapting to a foreign environment after being abandoned in the wild by irresponsible pet owners on several occasions before

For the best interest of our local wildlife and these exotic animals, do not bring them in and, worse, abandon them.

If you happen to see any green iguanas, you can contact ACRES's 24h Wildlife Rescue Hotline: 9783 7782.

Top photo courtesy Fadhli Jaffar