MEXICO CITY (AP) – Mexican environmental authorities say they seized 8.5 gallons of stew made of Mexican spiny-tailed iguanas, a species considered protected and threatened in Mexico.
The environmental protection office announced Tuesday that the meat was seized at a restaurant in the township of Jojutla, in southern Morelos state.
The office acted on an anonymous tip that iguana breasts and legs were being served in what appeared to be a tomatillo sauce at the restaurant.
The meat was seized, but it was unclear whether the owner of the restaurant would face charges.
The office noted it is working to discourage residents of Mexico's so-called "hot land" regions from using protected or threatened species in traditional dishes.