By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, Aug 13: Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has stepped up efforts to control invasive iguanas at Taman Bulatan, capturing 49 of the reptiles in three operations following growing concerns among park-goers.
SFC Miri Region manager Louis Velda said the operations began as a joint effort with the Miri City Council (MCC) before being expanded to involve several other agencies.
“Now in Miri, we are trying to stop them here before they spread to other areas. We have received complaints from the public.
“They have seen them themselves, and some are afraid because of the presence of these animals in the park. They have started avoiding the park as a place for recreation,” he said during the capture operation last night (Aug 12), according to a TVS report.
Louis said authorities were also concerned that members of the public might capture the iguanas and relocate them to other areas, potentially allowing the invasive species to spread and establish new populations.
He said capturing the iguanas was challenging as it required suitable equipment and strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
According to Louis, night operations were more effective for capturing the reptiles, but the teams faced difficulties due to a lack of suitable equipment.
“If there is tall grass, it provides a conducive place for iguanas to lay their eggs. Their young and juveniles will be underneath,” he said.
As an initial measure, authorities have cut the grass in the area to reduce suitable breeding habitats for the reptiles.
Louis urged the public not to relocate iguanas to other areas and to keep their yards and grassy surroundings well maintained.
“What we are doing is for the good of Miri, the community and, most importantly, our local wildlife,” he said.
The joint efforts are expected to continue as authorities seek to control the invasive iguana population before it impacts the local ecosystem and spreads to other parts of Sarawak.
Also present during the operation was SFC general manager and Controller of National Parks and Nature Reserves Abang Arabi Abang Aimran. — DayakDaily
