A male American iguana was found on Coloane Hill on Sunday, and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) officials suspect that it was abandoned by its owner, an IAM statement said.

The Sunday statement noted that the iguana is 1.30 metres long and weighs 2.9 kilogrammes, pointing out that the reptile isn’t in good health. The statement said that the iguana has skin condition and ulcers in the mouth, adding that it is undergoing quarantine.

The statement said that iguanas are highly fertile and have no natural predator in Macau. It added that the species can cause severe damage to the natural environment. The statement noted that iguanas are native to Central South America, and they are a kind of lizard active in trees surrounded by water during the day. The statement pointed out that iguanas are not poisonous.

According to the statement, iguanas can grow to two metres long and live as long as 10 years. The statement stressed that iguanas only take 2-3 years to mature and females can lay clutches of 40-50 eggs. The statement underlined that iguanas that invade a local habitat can cause serious damage to the ecosystem, and they can even disturb residents’ lives.

The bureau warned residents that importing foreign species can lead to hygienic and environmental issues.

The bureau urged residents not to abandon pets in the wild to avoid damaging the ecosystem. According to the Animal Protection Law, abandoning an animal can lead to a fine of up to 100,000 patacas.

The undated handout photo provided by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) shows the American Iguana found by IAM staff on Coloane Hill.