It Ain't Easy Being Green

As Kermit the frog famously noted, it ain't easy being green. Iguanas—who are both loved and hated by residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands—are thriving and creating divisions among the islands' human residents. Emotions are particularly high on the island of Saint John, where overpopulation has impacted many (including the local food trade—with iguanas destroying gardens that supply locavore restaurants). For some motorists (undoubtedly those weary of encountering the animals—and their feces—everywhere), iguanas are a popular target to hit while driving. But it seems that an equal number of people love iguanas and are horrified by any action taken to reduce the population (many even enjoy hand-feeding the hungry reptiles). Why are there so many? In 1922, the islands passed an ordinance protecting iguanas (numbers were then scarce, perhaps due to overhunting). In 2013, the law was changed to allow each person to kill 10 iguanas per day. How did the iguanas get to the islands? Many think that South American settlers (pre-Columbian, some 2,000 years ago) brought the reptiles as a food source; however, more recent humans have helped bolster the population as part of the pet trade. As the debate continues to rage, adventurous eaters might also wonder what iguana tastes like. Those who have eaten iguana say it tastes like chicken—in the same sort of way that frog's legs taste like chicken. Offering an interesting look at a specific instance of troubled human/nature interaction, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Block)