State takes possession of illegal iguana, lizard
By Will Hoover
Advertiser Staff Writer
The State Department of Agriculture said yesterday that it has taken possession of its sixth iguana in four months. In a separate incident over the weekend, an illegal knight anole lizard also was handed over to officials.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
Both animals were turned in under the Department of Agriculture's amnesty program. The iguana was found in a cage in Waipahu. The knight anole reportedly came from Kane'ohe.
This knight anole lizard, given to the Plant Quarantine Branch last weekend, was joined yesterday by a similarly illegal iguana.
Although vegetarian, the iguana, which can reach 6 feet in length, has been known to disturb bird nestlings and devour eggs. Knight anoles can grow to 22 inches and eat insects and small birds.
Although both creatures have become established in parts of O'ahu, it is illegal to possess them.
"Part of our focus is to get the public involved when they see unusual alien species to give us a call so we can come pick them up," said Neil Reimer, manager of the Plant Quarantine Branch where both reptiles are being kept.
People caught with such reptiles face stiff fines of up to $200,000 and as much as three years in jail.
