Durban – Environmental changes seem to be the main reason some animals flee their comfort zones, the SPCA has said. In a bid to escape the noise caused by road works and land excavation, they seek the safety of trees, the organisation said.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA had to rescue two leguaans from cactus trees this week.
The SPCA said the leguaans were between 150cm and 180cm long.
They were rescued in two separate incidents in the Northdene and Westville areas by the inspectorate team of Petros Simamane, Syd Nkomo and Pam Zondi.
“They were called out twice to properties where leguaans fled up 4-8m-high cactus trees. The leguaans were rescued without causing undue stress or injuries,” said Barbara Laubscher, spokeswoman for the SPCA.
The rescues were tricky because they had taken refuge in tall thin cactus trees covered in thorns that could have broken. The trees were too fragile to lean a ladder against them, Laubscher said.
The leguaans had to be coaxed down into a net and were released into a reserve far from road works and excavations.
Leguaans and monitors can reach 120cm to 180cm, with the largest specimens recorded being 244cm long.
Water leguaans usually favour areas close to rivers and water because they are strong swimmers and power their bodies using the tremendous strength in their tails. However, most leguaans and monitors are just as comfortable on land, whether running or digging.
“Anyone who finds a leguaan or monitor on their premises should call their nearest SPCA for help. They should refrain from approaching the animal or chasing it which may cause unnecessary stress and even injury.
“These reptiles have such power in their tails that they may hurt someone and even break an ankle or wrist with the swish of their tails, especially when feeling threatened,” Laubscher warned.
Kloof and Highway SPCA can be reached at 031 764 1212/3.