Photo: Aburrá Valley Metropolitan Area
In the Aburrá Valley, it is increasingly common to observe iguanas sunbathing in parks, gardens and even in urban areas. These reptiles, which have adapted to living with city residents, often alarm those who are not familiar with their behavior. However, most sightings of immobile iguanas do not represent an emergency. For this reason, the Metropolitan Area has called on citizens to respect these animals in their natural environment.
This year, the Wildlife Care, Assessment and Rehabilitation Center (CAVR) has attended to 334 cases related to iguanas in the Aburrá Valley. Of these, 78% have been emergencies such as injured, run over or unconscious animals. Despite this high number of reports, not all iguanas found in urban areas are in danger. In fact, many of them are simply 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 their 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 may appear motionless as they absorb heat from the sun, which helps them activate vitamin D3 and fix calcium in their bones, crucial for their mobility and overall health.
In many cases, iguanas that appear immobile are simply in their state of thermal regulation, absorbing the heat they need to survive. This does not mean they are sick or injured. In fact, interrupting this process can cause stress and, in some cases, cause accidents if citizens try to manipulate or capture them.
The call to citizens
The Aburrá Valley Metropolitan Area, 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, reports are unnecessary, as these animals are simply carrying out a natural activity.
Andrés Gómez Higuita, Wildlife CAVR Supervisor, called on the community not to interfere with the iguanas that are sunbathing. “Trying to touch or capture them can not only cause stress, but can also represent a risk to people, since iguanas, although generally peaceful, can defend themselves if they feel threatened,” explained Gómez Higuita.
In addition, the Metropolitan Area also urges citizens to respect the natural environment of the iguanas and allow them to cross the roads without intervening. “It is important to let them move freely, especially in urban areas, where the risk of accidents with vehicles is greater,” added Gómez Higuita.
What to do if you find an iguana?
If you encounter an iguana in a public space or in your home, it is best to keep your distance and not try to capture it. Iguanas usually move slowly when they are relaxed, but if they feel threatened, they can react unpredictably. If the iguana is injured or in obvious danger, it is advisable to contact 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 repercussions. Furthermore, the capture of wildlife can have negative consequences for both animals and people, since many species have specific 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 humans. Cities like Medellín and its surroundings have become spaces where wildlife seeks refuge and resources, posing new challenges for the conservation and respect of these animals.
2024-09-28 23:25:57
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