Raccoon Predation as a Potential Limiting Factor in the Success of the Green Iguana in Southern Florida

Authors

Henry T. Smith, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Park ServiceFollow
Walter E. Meshaka Jr., State Museum of Pennsylvania
Richard M. Engeman, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife ServicesFollow
Steven M. Crossett, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Mark E. Foley, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Gary Bush, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Date of this Version

December 2006

Comments

Published in Journal of Kansas Herpetology Number 20 (December 2006).

Abstract

The Green Iguana, Iguana iguana, is a well established, large-bodied, exotic species in Florida (Meshaka et al. 2004a. The Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida, Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. 155 pp.; Meshaka et al. 2004b. Iguana 11:154-161). Limiting factors of populations and causes of Green Iguana mortality in Florida are poorly understood and the only documented predators are the domestic dog (Canus familiaris) (Meshaka et al. 2004a), Yellow-crowned Night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea) (Engeman et al. 2005. Herpetol. Rev. 36:320), Florida Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia floridana) (McKie et al. 2005. Florida Field Nat. 33:125-127), and an unidentified species of hawk (HTS pers. obs.). Here, we report the first documented predation of a juvenile Green Iguana by a Raccoon (Procyon lotor) in a southern Florida state park. Additionally, we provide strong evidence of Green Iguana population density and recruitment suppression by Raccoons.