Monday, September 15, 2014

Tegu Invasion

I am pretty sure that is you are at all into herps or nature, you probably have heard of several invasive species of reptiles that are on the loose in Florida. The Burmese Python is probably the first that comes to mind with Green Iguanas not far behind. Brown Anoles and other species also are breeding rampantly throughout the state. One species I had not realized that was and remains a problem for Florida's ecology is the Argentine Black & White Tegu.

Florida seems almost custom made for these ravenous predators and they are multiplying there in good numbers since their release into the wild. In fact, they may soon expand their range far enough to endanger the American Crocodile. Tegus are probably more of a threat to the ecology in FL and in states further north than FL because they are more cold tolerant than many of the other invasive species that are thriving in that state.

My source for the above info was a nice article submitted by LIHS member Deb H. Read it here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/05/science/a-lizard-interloper-presents-challenge-in-florida.html?_r=2

All the best,
Glenn B

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