The Forestry Bureau of the Council of Agriculture recently reported that an alien species of Asian water dragon (green water dragon) was found along waterways in Beipu Township. It has strong predatory abilities and can pose a threat to native species in the overgrown area. Remove them to avoid ecological impact 528 were removed last year.
Fan Wanzhao, director of agriculture of the Hsinchu county government, said through a press release that the invasive alien species pose a serious threat to biodiversity. After the county government was informed of the appearance of an alien species of dragon water dragon (commonly known as the green water dragon) in Beipu Township, in order to avoid breeding and spreading, last year In July, the County Ecological Leisure Development Association Hsinchu was invited to inspect and assist in the removal.
Fan Wanzhao said that green water dragons of various sizes were found along the waterways of Beipu Township during the investigation. As of December last year, a total of 21 investigations and removal works were carried out and are 39 teams were sent to remove them, with a total of 528 being removed Green Water Dragon.
He said that the green water dragon is an omnivorous animal that preys on Taiwan’s native climbing lizards, tree frogs, snakes, and even small mammals. It has strong predatory ability and may pose a threat to native species in the overgrown area, and have a serious impact on the ecological environment. .
Fan Wanzhao pointed out that the green water dragon’s main breeding and spawning seasons are in May and June every year. When the investigators dissected the adults captured during the investigation in August, they found dozens of eggs in their bodies, showing incredible fecundity.
The county government provided briefing materials and stressed that an investigation and takedown plan had been developed and proposed this year. Through continuous investigation, further systematic removal will be carried out to prevent breeding and reduce the possibility of green water dragons spreading in Zhu County.
According to the county government, the Asian water dragon originated in Southeast Asia and is an invasive species in Taiwan. It is a large green lizard with a total length of about 60-100 centimeters and a tail that is 2 to 3 times the length of the body. It usually occurs in low-elevation forest streams and waterfall areas with low human disturbance and is semi-aquatic. It often moves within 90-300 meters near the stream during the day and gathers in vegetation near the stream to rest afterwards. night.
(Responsible editor: Zhuang Yuyu)
