If you’ve ever journeyed to the bustling streets of Bangkok, you may have been intrigued by the sight of iguanas adorning the city. Whether they were nestled within shopping centres or comfortably strutting in the wild, these reptiles set an exotic tone against the urban environment. However, their ballooning population is now causing serious concern for the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. In a direct response to the situation, the authorities are planning to impose a halt on iguana importation.
According to Attapon Charoenchansa, the director-general of the department, iguanas have been witnessed increasingly in public attractions as well as their natural homelands. This unexpected population explosion is not just a spectacle but an issue that needs immediate attention. The free-ranging iguanas might seem a sight to behold, but the implications aren’t so glamorous. The risk of potential infections and illicit crossbreeding hangs over the situation, considering that a significant amount of people enjoy having these reptiles as their companions.
Interestingly, owners have never been compelled to disclose their iguana possession, but they are bound by moral and legal obligation to offer these creatures the care and attention they deserve until their natural end. After which, they must also ensure that the remains of these magnificent creatures are properly handled. On a serious note, the act of releasing iguanas into the wild is strictly illegal, with hefty penalties including imprisonment and fines of up to 50,000 baht for those who attempt to do so.
In the past, iguana importation was relatively unrestricted, and people were merely asked to report their imports. This freedom has led to a staggering number of 11,622 iguanas legally entering the city between 1990 to 2022, while only 1,390 were consigned for exports. The scales, it’s clear, are heavily unbalanced.
With recent revelations about an intimidating iguana population running wild and free in Lop Buri province, Mr Attapon has wasted no time and mobilized his team to conduct a comprehensive survey of iguanas throughout the nation. There are whispers that many of these reptilian critters escaped from a closed hotel, sparking intrigue and concern in equal measures.
The city of Bangkok, renowned for its lively blend of urban sparkle and natural allure, is now threading a precarious path. The iguanas of Bangkok, erstwhile symbols of the city’s unique charm, have set a peculiar challenge that calls for prompt and effective action from everyone involved. Ultimately, striking the right balance between preserving the beauty of these mesmerising creatures and ensuring public safety remains the key to this predicament.
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