Ecotourism giving iguanas a sweet tooth in the Bahamas

Feeding wild animals is not encouraged, especially if you’re giving them food that’s not native to the area, or worse, processed human food. — AFP

Ecotourists feeding grapes to rock iguanas on remote islands in the Bahamas have given them a sweet tooth and high blood sugar, researchers said recently, warning of unknown effects on the health of the vulnerable reptiles.

Northern Bahamian rock iguanas living on the Exuma Islands are so hooked on the tasty tourist treats that they rush to the beaches when they hear boats approaching.