Jamaican Biologist’s TikTok Spotlights Invasive Green Iguana Threat To Endangered Natives

A Jamaican research biologist's TikTok clip has drawn attention after showing an invasive green iguana on the island—an encounter that highlights a growing threat to Jamaica’s already endangered native iguanas.

"Oh, my god. Guys, I just found an invasive green iguana in Jamaica,"

said Jordan King in the video, underscoring the potential consequences of the sighting.

Green iguanas are nonnative and can compete with Jamaica's native iguanas for food, nesting sites and habitat. Their presence can undermine conservation work aimed at protecting species found only on the island.

Islands are particularly vulnerable to invasive species: isolation and limited land area mean that animals and plants introduced from elsewhere can spread quickly when they lack natural predators, upsetting delicate ecological balances.

Jamaica already contends with several invasive species, including cane toads, Indian mongoose, lionfish, feral pigs and numerous nonnative plants introduced over centuries. Authorities have also reported detections of the Aedes vittatus mosquito in recent years, adding to the management challenges.

By sharing the sighting on TikTok, King hopes to raise public awareness of an issue that often goes unnoticed until it becomes difficult to control. Greater public vigilance and timely reporting can help conservation groups and authorities respond more effectively.

What you can do: If you spot a possible invasive species in Jamaica, report it to local wildlife authorities or a conservation organization. Do not attempt to capture or relocate wild animals yourself.

"They really here!" and "It's invasive in the Bahamas too," were among the viewer comments, reflecting broader regional concern.