INVASIVE
SPECIES
Learn more about invasive reptiles and how you can help.
PEOPLE TO
PROTECT WILDLIFE
Brown anoles are native to Cuba and the Bahamas where they inhabit almost any ecosystem and encounter natural predators that help maintain the brown anole populations
A. wattsi is a small anole lizard native to Antigua and its offshore islets. There have been two known introductions, on St Lucia and Trinidad, and in both cases A. wattsi is spreading rapidly over large parts of the islands. A. wattsi is considered invasive on St Lucia (Krauss, 2010), where it is apparently replacing A. luciae, especially near man-made features
The spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) is a smaller relative of the well-known Florida resident, the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Caiman are an introduced species in Florida with a native range from southern Mexico to northern Argentina.
The Ctenosaura Similis, more commonly known as the Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana, holds its own as one of the most invasive species in Southern Florida. This native of Central America isn’t imported for the pet trade like the green iguana.
Southern watersnakes are thick-bodied, aquatic snakes that can reach up to 5 feet in length. There are three subspecies of southern watersnake: banded, broad-banded, and Florida.
Northern watersnakes are heavy-bodied, aquatic snakes that range from 2 to 4 ½ feet in length. There are four subspecies of northern watersnake: Lake Erie, midland, common, and Carolina.
Argentine black and white tegus are not native to Florida and are considered an invasive species due to their impacts to native wildlife. Like all nonnative reptile species, tegus are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law and can be humanely killed on private property with landowner permission
The red-eared slider turtle is native in much of the mid- to south-central United States. However, it is an invasive species in California, Oregon, Washington and many other states.
A very flat turtle with a rounded, leathery-skinned, flexible, shell that is keelless and unhinged. The snout is long with open nostrils on the end. The limbs are flat with broadly-webbed feet.
Green
Iguana
The Green Iguana is native to South & Central America, Mexico, and some islands of the Caribbean but, once again, because of the popularity of the iguana in the pet trade they have become invasive in South Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Puerto Rico.
Burmese
Python
Non-native Burmese pythons have established a breeding population in South Florida and are one of the most concerning invasive species in Everglades National Park. Severe mammal declines in Everglades National Park have been linked to Burmese pythons.
Chameleons’ thrive in a variety of forest environments and are yet another predator of HawaiÊ»i’s native insects, spiders, and snails, making them an unwelcome guest in the State.
The Nile Monitor is semi-aquatic and usually found around water although they are also excellent climbers with long, sharp claws. They are carnivores that eat a diet of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and eggs.
