Why Are Iguanas' Skulls Being Crushed In The Name Of Science?
A scientific project for killing invasive green iguanas in Florida has become the center of national attention. Anthropologist Barbara J. King looks at wildlife management and methods.
In an effort to reduce the number of invasive iguanas in South Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has funded a project in which scientists from the University of Florida approach green iguanas sleeping at night with the goal of killing them.
According to a report in the newspaper on March 9 — and followed up with pieces in other media, including and — one of the methods the scientists use is to drive a bolt into the iguana's head using a specialized tool. And, in some cases, they swing the animal against a solid object to bash in their skulls and brains.
