TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Leaping Lizards! Iguanas, Monitors Posing Threat To Sarasota's Ecology

Photo courtesy of Sarasota County

A male black spiny-tailed iguana basks at Shamrock Park in Venice.

ADVERTISEMENT

By RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 26, 2008

SARASOTA Impressive diggers, agile climbers and graceful swimmers.

That's how Sarasota County officials are describing iguanas moving into area parks and reserves, making them difficult to locate and corral.

"This makes them formidable predators that can cause serious ecological damage," county scientist Kenya Leonard said.

Booming populations of iguanas and Nile monitor lizards are posing a serious threat to native species, officials said. The county is asking the public for help in tracking these large, exotic lizards.

Iguanas eat plants, insects, lizards and other small animals including nesting birds and eggs, Leonard said. Nile monitor lizards have a much heartier appetite and can consume larger prey such as burrowing owls, small mammals and even young alligators.

Breeding populations of black spiny-tailed iguanas already exist at Lemon Bay Park, Blind Pass Beach and Shamrock Park, said George Tatge, the county's manager of beaches and natural areas.

The lizards have been sighted in most south county parks and in a handful of neighborhoods as far north as Siesta Key. The iguanas reproducing in county parks may be the offspring of a population that has gained a footing on Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County, officials said.

Monitor lizards in the area may have come from irresponsible pet owners, but they also could indicate a northern progression of the wild breeding population in Lee County, officials said.

Scientists are developing a plan to reduce or eradicate the invasive lizards. Population levels are still low enough to take a proactive approach, officials said.

Trapping and removing the lizards do not require a permit, but Leonard said only experienced trappers should make an attempt.

"Monitor lizards and black spiny-tailed iguanas may become aggressive toward pets or people if they feel threatened," she said. "They're wild and should never be mistaken for their more domesticated pet store cousins."

Anyone who sees an iguana or monitor lizard, or who has questions about the county's exotic lizard management effort, can call (941) 861-5000.

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT