Iguana import ban: Thailand takes action to curb environmental threat
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has brought into effect an iguana import ban amid fears of rapid proliferation and potential environmental damage. The invasive species, discovered in vast numbers in natural habitats in the Lopburi province, have been causing distress to local communities by feeding on agricultural produce.
The green iguana is an alien species with no origin in Thailand, and the precise cause of its sudden appearance remains unclear. Atthapol Charoenchansa, the DNP director-general, revealed that the ban is an attempt to prevent the problem from escalating.
The decision is backed by powers granted under Articles 23 and 116 of the National Reserved Forests and Wildlife Preservation Act B.E. 2562 (2019) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s announcement dated July 27 2022, which designates certain wildlife as a controlled species.
Nattapong Westwood
