In south Florida, frozen iguanas falling from trees have emerged an an unusual consequence to climate change and this year's winter weather. It's been record cold weather down south, and iguanas used to temperatures in the 80s and 90s are free-falling right from tree limbs.
According to WPLG 10, however, the iguanas falling from trees aren't dead—their frozen reaction is more akin to hibernation than out-and-out death. As soon as temperatures warm up, the iguanas will revive.
Implications - According to scientists, these lizards are in no way suicidal. Their dramatic tumbles are a result of the unusually cold, record-breaking climate in Southern Florida right now, which is breaking habits for lizards who are accustomed to temperatures in the 80s and 90s.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Climate-change Induced Animal Behavior Changes
- As animals react in unexpected ways to climate change, there may be opportunities for businesses to innovate products and services that help consumers deal with the consequences.
- Extreme Weather Survival Products
- As extreme weather conditions become more common, businesses can innovate products and services that help people survive and adapt to these conditions.
- New Cold-weather Survival Gear for Reptiles
- As unusual cold spells like the one in Florida continue to occur, businesses can innovate reptile care products that help pet owners protect their pets from harm.
Where This Applies
- Pet Care Industry
- As pet owners become more concerned about their pets in cold weather conditions, there may be opportunities for the pet care industry to innovate products that keep animals safe and comfortable.
- Emergency Preparedness Industry
- As extreme weather conditions become more common, the emergency preparedness industry can innovate products and services that help people keep themselves and their families safe.
- Climate Research Industry
- As climate change continues to have unexpected effects on animal behavior, there may be opportunities for the climate research industry to investigate and provide solutions for these consequences.
