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2 more illegal A 10-inch knight anole and a 20-inch iguana were turned over to the Hawaiian Humane Society and the state Department of Agriculture this past weekend.
lizards found
around Oahu
A 20-inch iguana becomes the
sixth captured in 4 monthsBy Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.comOn Friday, a Pupukea couple called the department's hot line after they spotted an iguana left in a cage under a tree near the Kaiser Permanente's Punawai Clinic in Waipahu.
Two days later, a knight anole was given to the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Officials said this is the sixth iguana captured or turned in on Oahu in the past four months.
According to agriculture officials, iguanas may grow up to six feet in length.
The lizard's powerful tail is used as a weapon to ward off enemies. Iguanas are native to central Mexico through South America and are typically vegetarians, but are known to disturb bird nestlings and feed on eggs.
The lizard was reported to be from Kaneohe. However, further information was not available because of regulations under the amnesty program.
It is illegal for individuals to possess knight anoles in Hawaii.
The knight anole is native to Cuba and can grow up to 22 inches long. The lizards are arboreal and eat medium to large insects, spiders, small lizards, fruits and berries.
However, the larger knight anoles may consume small birds and rodents.
Knight anoles are known for their strong jaw muscles and are capable of causing a painful bite. However, the lizards are not known to be aggressive toward humans, agricultural officials said.
Persons possessing illegal animals may face a fine of up to $200,000 and up to three years in jail.
Those with illegal pets are encouraged to turn them in under the state Department of Agriculture's Amnesty Program.
Anyone with information or knowledge of illegal animals in Hawaii is asked to call the department's PEST HOTLINE at 586-PEST (7378).