Photo: Aburrá Valley Metropolitan Area
In Glen Aburrá, it is increasingly common to see iguanas sunbathing in parks, gardens and even in urban areas. These reptiles, which have adapted to live with the city’s residents, often frighten those who do not know their behavior. However, most mobile iguanas do not represent an emergency. For this reason, the Metropolitan Area has asked citizens to respect these animals in their natural environment.
This year, the Center for Wildlife Care, Assessment and Rehabilitation (CAVR) has attended to 334 cases involving iguanas in the Aburrá Valley. Of these, 78% have been in emergencies such as injured, run over or unconscious animals. Despite the high number of reports, not all iguanas found in urban areas are endangered. In fact, many of them are just sunbathing, a completely normal activity for these reptiles.
Why do iguanas sunbathe?
Iguanas are cold-blooded animals that need sunlight to regulate their body temperature. This behavior is essential for survival, as it allows them to maintain optimal energy levels and carry out their daily activities such as hunting, moving and mating. For long hours of the day, iguanas can appear motionless as they absorb heat from the sun, which helps them activate vitamin D3 and repair calcium in their bones, which is essential for their movement. and their health in general.
In many cases, iguanas that appear immobile are just in their state of thermal regulation, absorbing the heat they need to survive. This does not mean that they are sick or injured. In fact, blocking this process can cause stress and, in some cases, cause accidents if citizens try to handle or capture them.
The call to citizens
The Aburrá Valley Metropolitan District, through the CAVR, has received more than 620 interactions on its emergency line, many of them related to the presence of iguanas. However, in most cases, there is no need for reports, as these animals are just doing natural activities.
Andrés Gómez Higuita, CAVR Wildlife Supervisor, called on the community not to interfere with the iguanas that are sunbathing. “Trying to touch or catch them can not only cause stress, but can also be a danger to humans, as iguanas, although generally peaceful, can defend themselves if they feel that they are in danger,” explained Gómez Higuita.
In addition, the Metropolitan Area also urges citizens to respect the iguanas’ natural environment and allow them to cross the roads without interference. “It is important to allow them to move freely, especially in urban areas, where the risk of accidents with vehicles is greater,” said Gómez Higuita.
What do you do if you find an iguana?
If you encounter an iguana in a public place or in your home, it is better to keep your distance and not try to catch it. Iguanas usually move slowly when they are at rest, but if they feel threatened, they can react unexpectedly. If the iguana is injured or in obvious danger, it is advisable to call the CAVR emergency line so that they can intervene appropriately.
The Metropolitan Area also remembers that iguanas, like other wild species, are protected by law. Attempting to capture, harm or remove them from their natural environment can have legal consequences. In addition, wildlife capture can have a negative impact on both animals and people, as many species have special needs that can only be met in their natural habitat.
The increase in the presence of iguanas in urban areas is a reminder of the importance of coexistence between wildlife and people. Cities like Medellín and its surroundings have become places where wildlife seek shelter and resources, raising new challenges in terms of conservation and respect for these animals.
