The Forestry Bureau of the Council of Agriculture reported recently that an alien species of Asian water dragon (green water dragon) was found along the streams in Beipu Township. It has strong predatory capabilities and may pose a threat to native species in the invaded area. Remove them to avoid ecological impact. Last year, 528 were removed.
Fan Wanzhao, Director of Agriculture of the Hsinchu County Government, stated through a press release that invasive alien species are a major threat to biodiversity. After the county government was informed of the appearance of an alien species of Asiatic water dragon (commonly known as the green water dragon) in Beipu Township, in order to avoid reproduction and spread, last year In July, the Hsinchu County Ecological Leisure Development Association was invited to inspect and assist in the removal.
Fan Wanzhao said that during the investigation along the streams of Beipu Township, green water dragons of various sizes were found. As of December last year, a total of 21 investigations and removal work were carried out, and 39 teams were dispatched to remove them, with a total of 528 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 a strong predatory ability and may pose a threat to native species in the invaded area and have a serious impact on the ecological environment. .
Fan Wanzhao pointed out that the main breeding and spawning seasons of the green water dragon are in May and June each year. When the investigators dissected the adults captured during the investigation in August, they found dozens of eggs in their bodies, showing amazing fecundity.
The county government provided news materials and pointed out that this year, a survey and removal plan has been developed and proposed. Through continuous investigation, further systematic removal will be carried out to prevent reproduction and reduce the chance 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 regarding 60 to 100 centimeters and a tail that is 2 to 3 times the length of the body. It usually occurs in low-altitude forest streams and waterfall areas with low human disturbance and is semi-aquatic. It often moves within 90 to 300 meters near the stream during the day, and gathers in the vegetation near the stream to rest at night.
(Responsible editor-in-chief: Zhuang Yuyu)
