Udon Thani, Director General of the National Parks Department Order the officials to expedite the arrest. "Green iguanas", foreign animals at Kham Chanod, Ban Dung District, Udon Thani Province, were found to spread in community areas. Recently, 3 were caught and will continue to be caught. Afraid of affecting the ecosystem Point out if released into nature There is a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months and a fine not exceeding 50,000 baht, or both imprisonment and fine.
Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Acting Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation said: Has ordered the Office of Conservation Area Administration No. 10 (Udon Thani) to expedite the capture of "green iguanas", an alien animal that has been found to spread in community areas. As Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, urged the National Parks Department to expedite the resolution of the problem.
Today the Director of the Wildlife Conservation Section, Office of the Basic Education Commission 10, Head of the Ban Dung Arboretum Head of the Nong Khai Wildlife Checkpoint Head of the Foreign Wildlife Conservation and Assistance Center Northeast Along with related officials, a total of 20 people held a meeting with Ban Dung District Chief and the Kham Chanod Area Management Committee to find a solution to the species distribution problem. destruction of crops Disturbance of the green iguana's ecosystem Kham Chanod area, Ban Dung District, Udon Thani Province and nearby areas. The meeting unanimously approved the removal of the green iguana from the area immediately.
A team of officials then joined together to inspect the area and captured three green iguanas and took them to be cared for at a foreign wildlife conservation and rescue center. Northeastern region, Sangkhom District, Nong Khai Province. After that, they will work together to make plans for continued operations.
For the reason that there are green iguanas in the Khamchanot area Because someone smuggled it out and released it. Propagation increases the number But the distribution of the species in nearby areas has not yet been found. and has not yet been found It has spread to destroy the agricultural crops of the people in any way.
Veterinarian at the National Parks Department Gave additional information: Green iguanas and chameleons Salmonella is often found. People may become infected directly by contact and indirectly by excreting waste on roads and houses, food may be contaminated. Which will have symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. The veterinary team will collect samples to check for infection.
Mr. Atthaphon said that the green iguana is an alien species in the Iguana genus from South and Central America. Classified as Group 1 of controlled wild animals under the CITES Convention according to the Wild Animal Preservation and Protection Act 2019.
The National Park Service has held a meeting to discuss the issue. “Green iguana Foreign Wild Animals, Case Study: Khao Phraya Doen Thong” on December 9, 2022, with people consisting of associations, clubs, entrepreneurs breeding and trading foreign wildlife. and wildlife conservation officials across the country to prepare and understand, protect, and control various types of exotic wild animals. Don't let it escape. until affecting society and the environment
For measures to reduce the number It must be declared as a controlled wild animal that requires additional notification of possession. You must request permission to breed and request permission to trade. To facilitate control and registration of those in possession and additional new cultivation and trade are not allowed. Including measures announced to prohibit the importation of green iguanas into the country. At the same time, a meeting was also held with networks, associations, and clubs of foreign animal lovers to discuss together solving the problem of catching and removing them from the country. Shared space with the community and determine the direction of action with iguanas
For example, in the state of Florida, the Wildlife Conservation Commission supports eradication as quickly as possible. Especially iguanas that appear in public places. without asking permission In foreign countries affected by the invasion of iguanas It is processed into food. Prepare delicious and expensive menus, such as in Guyana. which has a price of 2,400 baht per kilogram
The National Park Department would like to publicize those who keep foreign wild animals to be responsible and follow the law and not let them go free. The release of controlled wild animals is punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 6 months and a fine not exceeding 50,000 baht, or both imprisonment and fine. They must be raised for the rest of their lives and if they do not wish to raise them, they must notify and hand them over to the National Park Service. There are regulations in place for this section.
For people who see green iguanas Please notify via hotline 1362. The National Park Service will coordinate with relevant agencies to take action and receive a health check before sending to care at the wildlife breeding station. and wildlife rescue centers located throughout the country
As for the owner of the green iguana Please come and report your possession to the officials. For areas in other provinces, please notify the responsible local Conservation Area Administration Office. In the Bangkok area Notify the Wild Plant and Wildlife Protection Division according to the Convention. Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Source: Thai News Agency