Invasive Green Water Dragons lack natural predators; New Taipei continues removal in Xindian and Bali

Native to the Indochinese Peninsula, the Green Water Dragon, often called a "small dinosaur," is more aggressive than the green iguana. Due to a lack of natural predators, they have established populations in streams around Xindian and Bali in recent years, severely disrupting local ecology. The New Taipei Agriculture Bureau stated that these semi-aquatic predators can grow over 90 cm and prey on native insects, amphibians, and lizards. From 2013 to 2025, 2,679 individuals have been removed, with 117 removed this year alone. The Bureau urges the public to report sightings by calling 1999 and not to attempt removal themselves to ensure personal safety.