Iguana

The Green Iguana is native to Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands and grows to 6 feet long and over 10 pounds. Iguanas hatched in captivity make good pets if given proper care and feeding which may not be easy in non-tropical locations. Wild iguanas seldom survive in captivity.

While green iguanas are eaten in Central and South America, they are CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) listed as Appendix II "threatened" so I have recommend against eating them, but see the Puerto Rico situation below. They should not be purchased as pets unless their fairly demanding care and feeding needs can be met - for a period of 20 years or more.   Photo © i0101

More on Reptiles & Amphibians.

I have not eaten Iguana because it is CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) listed as Appendix II "threatened" so I'm not providing any instructions here. Besides, it's said that it "tastes like chicken", just like every other weird critter is said to taste like.

While these lizards are now not so common in Central and South America where they are prized for culinary, medicinal, and magical purposes, that is not the case in Puerto Rico. They are not native to Puerto Rico, but in the 1970s, pets escaped or were released. They are now a plague on the land.

Problem is, Puerto Ricans can't even imagine eating iguana. To solve the problem, the government is hoping to build an export market for them. I have learned of one exotic meat vendor in California who is definitely interested in importing them. He says he can sell plenty, particularly due to the reputed aphrodisiac properties of iguana meat.