Argentine black and white tegus are an invasive species in Florida, posing a significant threat to the state’s native wildlife and ecosystems. Originally from South America, these large, omnivorous lizards have established populations in several regions, including the Everglades. Tegus are highly adaptable and have a broad diet, preying on native species like ground-nesting birds, reptiles, and even small mammals. Their presence disrupts local ecosystems and competes with native wildlife for resources.
Eradicating invasives quickly before they can become established is key, which is why our Foundation funded FWC’s Everglades Invasive Reptile and Amphibian Monitoring Program in 2014. The project focused on rapid response and removal of Argentine black and white tegus, Northern African pythons, and spectacled caimans.
The project removed 279 tegus and detected another 31 unique tegus through camera traps. The team conducted 29 rapid response cases, tracking six tegus via transmitters, and performed 95 necropsies on removed reptiles. Notably, two female tegus were tracked to nests, leading to the removal of 54 eggs.
