Biology:Invasive species in Puerto Rico

Invasive species are species that are native to foreign environments which typically wreak havoc on a specific area's economy, ecosystem and infrastructure. These species can be introduced by natural causes or human intervention. There are many invasive species that exist around the world, however, two that are abundant in Puerto Rico are the Green Iguana and the Lionfish. These two species are incredibly dangerous to the biodiversity of Puerto Rico. These species damage infrastructure and ultimately cost the country money when repairs become necessary.

Mammals

• Indian Mongoose. Sugar planters introduced the Indian Mongoose to Puerto Rico in the nineteenth century as a way to control the rat population. They are now responsible for 70% of all rabies cases on the island.

Invasive Reptiles

• Green Iguana

Green Iguana were introduced to Puerto Rico through the pet trade or possibly by storms. Green Iguanas are native to south and Central America and have no natural predators in Puerto Rico. A single female iguana can lay up to 75 eggs in one year with a 93% survival rate of the hatchlings causing the population of these animals to grow exponentially. They can damage infrastructure by nesting under roads causing them to be unstable, and eventually collapse. They damage the economy by destroying agriculture and lowering farmers' crop production and crop value due to the diseases they carry, like salmonella.