Management of the Green Iguana in San Juan National Historic Site
Naveira Guzman M, Altenhofen K, San Juan National Historic Site. 2025. Management of the Green Iguana in San Juan National Historic Site. National Park Service. San Juan, P.R.
The San Juan National Historic Site is the only National Park Service unit in Puerto Rico. The park is developing a management plan to address invasive species within the historic site, specifically the green iguana (Iguana iguana), whose population has grown significantly. The presence of this invasive species poses risks to environmental and public health, as well as damages the structures and landscapes that characterizes the park. This plan will detail the processes and actions that will form the operational basis for the management plan. This plan will only address the green iguana population within the boundaries of the park. It will not address green iguana populations within Old San Juan or other areas outside the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. The implementation of this plan is crucial for the preservation of the ecosystem, public health, and cultural heritage of the historic site. Adherence to the management plan guarantees the protection of native flora and fauna, and improves public health by reducing the risks of accidents and diseases transmitted by iguanas. Additionally, it ensures the preservation of the park's historical structures and cultural landscape.
- Type
- Administrative
- Authors
- Naveira Guzman, Miguel; Altenhofen, Kelly; San Juan National Historic Site
- Date of Issue
- 2025-02
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- SAJU
- Keywords
- green iguana, invasive species, management plan, SAJU, San Juan National Historic Site, visitor impact