Taiwanese couple earns nearly $1 million in gift certificates hunting invasive iguanas

A husband-and-wife team in Pingtung, Taiwan, has emerged as the most successful hunters of invasive green iguanas, earning close to NT$1 million (approximately $31,000 USD) in convenience store gift certificates this year.

Liu Tsu-hua, 60, and his wife Lin Chiu-mei, have captured a combined 5,648 green iguanas from January to July 2026. Liu, a farmer by trade, obtained his hunter's license in 2023 and dedicates almost every day to the removal work, often from dawn till dusk, only resting when it rains. He credits his wife's sharp eyesight and meticulousness for their success, noting she often spots the iguanas first, enabling him to make the capture. She also assists in securing the reptiles.

Their efforts have not been without cost. The couple endures long hours in the field, often getting scratched by the iguanas, a fact they consider "glorious marks." Liu has lost over 10 kilograms due to the demanding work. Pingtung County has led Taiwan in green iguana removal since 2019. This year, hunters are rewarded with NT$300 for adult iguanas (over 30 cm snout-to-anus length) and NT$50 for juveniles. Between January and July, private hunters and county contractors captured 90,868 iguanas, with private hunters accounting for 70% (63,000 iguanas) and collectively receiving NT$8.5 million in gift certificates.

Liu and Lin's haul of 5,648 iguanas earned them NT$988,900 in gift certificates, placing them significantly ahead of other hunters. The second-highest earner, Mr. Weng, received NT$937,800 for capturing 3,686 iguanas, while the third, Mr. Li, received NT$805,350 for 4,477 iguanas.