What some biologists are referring to as the most troublesome invasive species inhabiting the Everglades, others take for granted. The Argentine black and white tegu is a lizard capable of reaching 24-inches in length. Like most invasive reptiles plaguing the Everglades, the tegu was brought into the country from South America through the pet trade. These beautifully decorated lizards have a taste for reptile and bird eggs, as well as just about anything else they can fit into their mouth--therefore, they’re providing extensive damage to small and large native Everglades inhabitants.
Dr. Mazzotti, a wildlife biologist studying coldblooded creatures invading the Everglades, says that the tegus worry him more than all the others. He points out that these creatures are more tolerant to cold weather, meaning they could easily expand their habitation to other areas. During one of southern Florida's rare freezes, nine out of 10 pythons will die, tegus are much more adaptive and are capable of surviving much farther north than other reptiles. In the past, the tegu has successfully moved all the way up to Panama City on the Florida Panhandle.
In 2010 only 21 tegus were captured, now, over 400 lizards are trapped each year. While the trapping and eradication is showing progress and growth, at the rate the lizards are reproducing and spreading, Dr. Mazzotti estimates that these 400 trapped animals represent less 10% of the total population.
Dr. Mazzotti is confident in tegu trapping efforts and thinks that the invasion can be controlled and eventually stopped. However, quick action is needed before the tegu can spread into other areas, killing off rare or endangered Florida natives. Once the negative impact of an invasive species shows its ugly face, it’s too late. While the majority of Everglades conservationists focus their efforts and publicity on the python epidemic--an already well-established and seemingly hopeless project--a more sinister and deadly Everglades invader is on the move, causing chaos and damage in its wake.
Help us spread the word about the Argentine black and white tegu. Share this post and tell your fellow wildlife lovers of the importance of Everglades conservation and the dangers of invasive species. For additional information, or to see this lizard in its non-natural habitat, sign up for one of Wild Florida’s Everglades airboat tours.
