Invasive species, like the Burmese pythons and green iguanas, wreak havoc on Florida's ecosystems. But an invasive lizard is garnering extra attention and giving Floridians and their pets more to worry about than frozen iguanas falling from trees.
The Nile monitor, a lizard added to Florida's Prohibited species list in 2021, making it illegal to sell or acquire as a pet, is another invasive species negatively impacting Florida's unique ecosystem, a spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Division of Habitat and Species Conservation told USA TODAY in an email.
The lizards have spread rapidly across Florida's waterways and canals. Female lizards can lay over a dozen eggs, and a large female can lay as many as 60 eggs, contributing to the spread, according to the FWC.
Minimizing the invasive lizard's impact on Florida's ecosystem is a high priority, according to the FWC. The agency is working to contain established populations and prevent the creation of new ones.
Here's what to know about the invasive species and its impact on Florida.
What do the lizards look like?
The lizards look olive green or black, with cream or yellow stripes on their jaws and heads. They also have yellow bands or spots across their backs, and their tails are 1.5 times the length of their bodies.
The lizards can weigh up to 17.8 pounds and measure up to 6.5 feet.
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Where have Nile monitors been spotted?
The Nile monitors are native to the Nile River in sub-Saharan Africa and have been reported in 33 countries, from Egypt to South Africa. They have spread across Florida.
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There are two established populations in Florida, located in Palm Beach County (about 72 miles north of Miami) and Lee County(164 miles northwest of Miami), according to the FWC. These populations are established, meaning they are stable and self-sustaining.
The agency is monitoring breeding populations in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Lee Counties.
Are Nile monitors dangerous?
Unlike iguanas, which feed on plants and vegetation, these lizards have a broad diet and eat insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and their eggs and small mammals, according to the FWC. The lizard's broad diet can also include young crocodiles.
They can also prey on small pets and livestock, such as chickens. Officials advise people with pets in areas where the lizard has been spotted to keep a close eye out for their animals.
The lizards also pose risks to endangered or threatened species, such as sea turtles, wading birds, gopher tortoises, and the American crocodile.
How did the lizards get to Florida?
The lizard is believed to have arrived in Florida via the exotic pet trade as early as 1981, according to the agency. They may have been introduced into local ecosystems after lizards escaped their enclosures or were intentionally released by their owners.
What should you do if you see a Nile monitor?
Anyone who sees a Nile monitor should take a picture and report the sighting to the FWC. A report can be made by calling 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681) or online atIveGot1.org.
If you do spot one, do not approach it, as the animal has sharp teeth and claws and will defend itself if it is aggravated or feels threatened.
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her onLinkedIn,X,Instagram, andTikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:An invasive lizard, Nile monitor, in Florida poses a growing threat