Florida Leguane Fall from Trees due to Cold Snap

A severe cold snap is affecting Florida, causing large numbers of iguanas to fall from trees, as the reptiles enter a state of dormancy due to the cold temperatures, with many falling to the ground, according to reports from the Tagesschau and MSN.

Key Points

• Large numbers of iguanas are falling from trees in Florida due to a cold snap
• The iguanas enter a state of dormancy when temperatures drop below 10°C
• The FWC, Florida's wildlife agency, has set up collection points for the fallen iguanas
• The iguanas are not native to Florida and are considered an invasive species
• The cold snap is affecting the entire US, with over 100 deaths reported since January 24
• New York City has reported 13 deaths due to hypothermia
• Tennessee and Mississippi are experiencing widespread power outages
• The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the affected areas

Background

The current cold snap affecting the US is caused by a cold air mass from the Arctic, which has brought temperatures down to record lows in many areas. According to AccuWeather, the cold snap is expected to continue for several more days. Florida, known for its warm and sunny climate, is experiencing temperatures that are 10-15°C below average, causing the iguanas to enter a state of dormancy. The University of Florida reports that the iguanas are not adapted to survive in cold temperatures and can die if they do not receive proper care. As reported by CNN, the cold snap is also affecting other parts of the US, with Indiana, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas experiencing freezing temperatures. The American Red Cross has issued a statement warning people to take precautions to stay safe during the cold snap.

The iguanas, which are native to Central and South America, have been introduced to Florida as an invasive species. According to the FWC, the iguanas can cause significant damage to the local ecosystem and are not protected by law. The US Fish and Wildlife Service reports that the iguanas can outcompete native species for food and habitat, leading to a decline in biodiversity. As stated by The Guardian, the introduction of invasive species can have devastating effects on the environment and local wildlife.

Analysis

The current situation in Florida highlights the impact of climate change on local ecosystems. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that climate change is causing more frequent and severe weather events, such as cold snaps. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that the cold snap is part of a larger trend of increasing temperature variability. As reported by The New York Times, the effects of climate change can be seen in the increasing number of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves.

The introduction of invasive species, such as the iguanas, can exacerbate the problems caused by climate change. According to the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG), invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, leading to a decline in biodiversity. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that invasive species are one of the main drivers of species extinction. As stated by ScienceDaily, the introduction of invasive species can have significant economic and environmental impacts.

What's Next

The cold snap is expected to continue for several more days, with temperatures slowly rising over the next week. According to Weather.com, the temperatures are expected to return to normal by the end of the week. The FWC will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the collection of fallen iguanas. As reported by ABC News, the FWC is working with local authorities to ensure the safe removal of the iguanas.

The US National Weather Service has issued warnings for the affected areas, advising people to take precautions to stay safe during the cold snap. The American Red Cross has issued a statement warning people to take precautions to stay safe during the cold snap. As stated by NPR, the cold snap is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events.

Related Coverage

• Tagesschau: In Florida fallen Leguane wegen Kälte massenhaft von Bäumen
• MSN: Warum in Florida jetzt massenweise Leguane von den Bäumen fallen
• CNN: Iguanas falling from trees in Florida due to cold snap
• The New York Times: Cold Snap Brings Iguanas Falling from Trees in Florida
• The Guardian: Iguanas in Florida: the invasive species causing chaos in the sunshine state
• ScienceDaily: Invasive species can have significant economic and environmental impacts
• National Geographic: Arctic cold snap brings freezing temperatures to US
• AccuWeather: Cold snap to continue for several more days
• University of Florida: Iguanas in Florida: what you need to know
• FWC: Iguana collection points set up in Florida