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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.
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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.
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Reader Comments
Posted by ( DoodleBugg ) on March 26, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
lock n load
and fire up the grill...
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Posted by ( angryamerican ) on March 26, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
DoodleBugg: I do not know about the grill part, but I agree with the lock n load and fire part of it. Sounds like that would certainly help eradicate the problem before it becomes worse.
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Posted by ( luvcatz5 ) on March 26, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Being active in the reptile world, I can say that the Country, State, and Counties need to implement educational information on responsible pet ownership of not only exotics, but cats and dogs as well. Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas Co. states that their main exotic problem are domesticated cats.
And I am all for responsible pet ownership, but I wish people would stop with the misinformation on the animals they are talking about. Nile monitors, as all other monitors are, are completely carnivorous, eating only meat. Iguanas, on the other hand, are completly herbivorous...eating only vegeatables and fruits.
Nile Monitors are also on Fish and Wildlife's "Reptiles of Special Concern" list...meaning you have to purchase a permit for $100.00 to own this animal and have the animal microchipped.
And another thing - Iguanas...I believe they should be licensed to own. They are cheap to buy (however their upkeep is out of this world expensive) and they go from cute little lizards to large, territorial and sometimes aggressive lizards.
And I believe they are being exploited.
Imagine my shock and dismay when I went to our local county fair a few years ago and found a game vendor giving out as prizes your choice of a goldfish or a baby iguana. I can't imagine how many of those babies died or were let loose.
So to all those out there...please take care of your animals responsibly. Keep cats inside, and research any animal you purchase BEFORE purchasing that animal.
Carrie
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Posted by ( BigGMan ) on March 26, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sell permits and pay $5 bounty per dead lizard, and the little Godzillas will be under control in no time!
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Posted by ( JackNelsonSteward ) on March 27, 2008 at 6:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am ordinarily for protecting animals, and it sounds like a bounty on these things isn't a bad way to go.
Too bad about having to kill them off, and they aren't native to the area and they are killing off the animals and plants that are.
Of course, you can say the same thing about US, soooooo...
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Posted by ( BUSHSUX ) on March 27, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think we're missing an opportunity here to kill two birds with one stone. I suggest we bring in some homeless folk, give them a machete and a can of sterno. Turn them loose on the Iguanas and I bet there won't be many left in short order.
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Posted by ( BUSHSUX ) on March 27, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Send in Andrew Zimmern!
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Posted by ( tryingtofindlove ) on March 27, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Interesting...iguana meet in Maryland a few years ago was going for $14 a pound.
Here's a link to a neat report on iguanas. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in528
We own an iguana iguana (green iguana) and have had her for about 12 years. She has never eaten anything but vegetables/fruits. (and my orchid flowers). I have to say I disagree with the article and with the above-stated link about all iguana species eating meat/insects at times. People need to check the facts. And, no matter the species of animal, domestic, imported or otherwise, be responsible pet owners. If the critter gets too big because you didn't research your pet enough, there are many places that will either buy it back or find a loving, adoptive home for it. Do NOT release ANY animal, native or not into the environment. I used to love cats, but I now don't like them too much because of all the idiots feeding feral cats instead of turning them in to animal control. They kill native birds/wildlife more so than many other critters.
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Posted by ( tryingtofindlove ) on March 27, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
oops, correction, it's meat not meet in my previous post..not enough Cubano coffee yet.
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Posted by ( ohboy ) on March 27, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
tryingtofindlove - I agree about cats running loose. I can't even get birds to come to my feeder anymore cause of all the cats running around. Pisses me off. I don't hate cats; my girlfriend has 2 in the house, but they never go out.
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