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What is an Iguana Park?

Erica Stratton
Erica Stratton

An iguana park is a specially-designated park where endangered iguanas are protected and allowed to roam free. Two well-known iguana parks are located in Costa Rica, Central America, and Ecuador, South America. Though they both have iguanas as the main attractions, one park raises them to protect them from extinction while the other uses them primarily for tourism purposes.

The Pro Iguana Verde Foundation started an iguana park in Costa Rica in order to protect the endangered species. Iguanas had been hunted to the edge of extinction despite government bans. Part of the reason for the lack of enforcement is that the iguana is prized as a delicious meat in Costa Rica. It is known locally as "pollo de palo", or "chicken of the trees."

The Pro Iguana Verde Foundation started an iguana park in Costa Rica in order to protect the endangered species.
The Pro Iguana Verde Foundation started an iguana park in Costa Rica in order to protect the endangered species.

German biologist Dr. Dagmar Werner, the founder of the Pro Iguana Verde Foundation, began her work in hopes that local farmers would turn to iguana farming rather than raising cattle. Cattle, whose hooves tear up what's left of the forest floor after slash-and-burn ranchers have cleared the rainforest for their fields, are more dangerous to the rainforest than iguanas, who live in and off the trees. The Pro Iguana Verde Foundation breeds iguanas at its park and reintroduces them into the rainforest.

In Costa Rica, iguana is known as "pollo de palo", or "chicken of the trees."
In Costa Rica, iguana is known as "pollo de palo", or "chicken of the trees."

As of the Foundation's founding, thousands of iguanas have been released into the wild. Some of them are hunted and sold as meat, while others are allowed to breed and help restore the local population. The park also brings in revenue as a tourist attraction. There is an on-site restaurant where visitors can get a taste of iguana meat. Tourists can also go on hikes through the forest or on rappelling tours through the forest canopy.

In Guayaquil, Ecuador, the Parque de Simon Bolivar, or Simon Bolivar Park, is known as "Iguana Park" by the locals. Iguanas roam free on a plaza overlooked by a statue of former Venezuelan political leader Simon Bolivar and park benches. Children are commonly seen pulling the iguanas' tails, but the animals are used to such rough handling and seldom bite.

Like Costa Rica's Iguana Park, Simon Bolivar Park was conceived as a way to improve the country's economy and bring money to the formerly rough city of Guayaquil. Maintaining the Iguana park is part of one of the largest renovations in the city's history. In addition to an army of street sweepers that keep the city's parks clean, a worker comes to the park every day with a cart of fruit and feeds the iguanas.

The iguanas of Simon Bolivar Park are not hunted or sold as food. Instead, they provide entertainment for tourists and locals who enjoy interacting with animals usually only seen in the wild. Though there are numerous "don't feed the iguana" signs posted, visitors often ignore them. The animals typically will rest in trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Iguana Park?

An Iguana Park is a dedicated habitat created to protect and preserve iguanas, which are often threatened by habitat loss and hunting. These parks provide a safe environment where iguanas can live, breed, and be observed by visitors. They play a crucial role in conservation efforts and environmental education.

Why are Iguana Parks important for conservation?

Iguana Parks are vital for conservation as they safeguard populations of these reptiles from threats like deforestation, poaching, and the pet trade. By providing a controlled environment, these parks contribute to the study and understanding of iguanas, which is essential for developing effective conservation strategies.

Can visitors interact with iguanas at these parks?

Interaction policies vary by park, but many Iguana Parks allow visitors to observe iguanas at a safe distance. Some parks may offer guided tours or educational programs where limited interaction is supervised by professionals to ensure the safety of both the animals and the visitors.

What types of iguanas can be found in an Iguana Park?

Iguana Parks typically house various species, such as the Green Iguana or the Lesser Antillean Iguana. The specific species present depend on the park's location and the conservation focus of the facility. These parks aim to support native species, which are often the most at risk.

How do Iguana Parks contribute to local communities?

Iguana Parks can have a positive impact on local communities by providing job opportunities and fostering eco-tourism. They serve as educational centers that raise awareness about wildlife conservation, encouraging community involvement in protecting local ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.

Are there any success stories of iguana conservation through these parks?

Yes, there have been several success stories where Iguana Parks have significantly contributed to the recovery of iguana populations. For instance, the Blue Iguana Recovery Program in the Cayman Islands has helped increase the population of the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana, once considered critically endangered, through captive breeding and release efforts.

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    • The Pro Iguana Verde Foundation started an iguana park in Costa Rica in order to protect the endangered species.
      By: loiren
      The Pro Iguana Verde Foundation started an iguana park in Costa Rica in order to protect the endangered species.
    • In Costa Rica, iguana is known as "pollo de palo", or "chicken of the trees."
      By: Peter Hermes Furian
      In Costa Rica, iguana is known as "pollo de palo", or "chicken of the trees."