Posts tagged Invasive Species
Herpetological Field Reports – Non-Native Predators and Prey in Florida
Feb 25th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Many interesting amphibian and reptile field research reports are published in professional journals such as Copeia, Herpetologica and Herpetological Review, and are not available on the internet. Unfortunately, such journals are usually quite expensive (if well-worth the price). From time to time I’ll provide summaries of interesting articles that I come across. Today’s report is drawn from Autumn, 2010 publications and covers 2 unusual feeding records. The observations were made in Florida and, as might be expected, both predator and prey (Cuban Treefrog, Spectacled Caiman, Walking Catfish) were non native species! More >
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Loading ...Huge African Spurred Tortoise Found Living in Arizona Desert – Part 1
Feb 2nd
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. From enormous Burmese Pythons in Florida to Wall Lizards in NYC, introduced species come as little surprise to US herp enthusiasts. But the recent (December, 2010) discovery that a huge African Spurred or “Sulcata” Tortoise, Geochelone sulcata, had apparently been living in an Arizona desert for some time, gave most of us pause for thought. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Florida Burmese Python Study – Snakes Cannot Survive South Carolina Winter
Jan 4th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. In 2008, a computer-based study by the US Geological Survey stated that Florida’s introduced Burmese Pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) might colonize up to 1/3 of the United States in time. While the snakes’ presence in Florida is a severe problem, the release of this study generated a flood of illogical fears and predictions. Recently, another study conducted by a noted herpetologist and utilizing live snakes has injected some sanity into the controversy. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...African Rainbow Skinks Now Breeding in Florida – Giant Ameivas Spreading
Dec 21st
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. A breeding population of African Five-Lined or Rainbow Skinks, Trachylepis (formerly Mabuya) quinquetaeniata, has been discovered in Port St. Lucia, Florida, bringing the total number of exotic herps known to be established in the USA to 66. The Giant or Green Ameiva, or Jungle-Runner (Ameiva ameiva), known to the state since 1954, seems to be expanding its range.
Florida’s Newest Exotic
Rainbow Skinks, which are native to a broad belt of Sub-Saharan Africa stretching from Senegal to Kenya, are the newest of Florida’s many exotic animals. Well-known in the US pet trade, the recently discovered population seems limited to a weedy lot near a now-defunct reptile importing business. Past reports of dead and dying skinks found on the importer’s property point towards the all-too-common source of the new arrivals. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Green Iguanas and Raccoons in Southern Florida….an Interesting Dilemma
May 18th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
Released and escaped green iguanas (Iguana iguana) have now established huge populations in southern Florida. Although I must admit to a certain degree of fascination with introduced species, there can be no doubt that the massive lizards have caused a great many problems in their adopted environment.
An Impressive but Bothersome Invader
Normally arboreal, iguanas adapt to treeless environments by commandeering burrows occupied by the endangered burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), displacing the birds and destroying eggs and chicks in the process. Ever hungry, the 4-6 foot long behemoths also assist the spread of undesirable invasive plants by eating their fruits and dispersing the seeds in their feces.
Among one of their most troublesome characteristics is a propensity to colonize airway strips and nearby areas. Green iguanas in Puerto Rico have caused runway accidents, and they are considered a collision hazard in Florida airports as well.
Raccoons in Cities and Nature Preserves
Raccoons, although native, have also become problematical in recent years. Now well adjusted to people, they thrive everywhere…during my years as a nuisance wildlife trapper, I caught scores throughout NYC, including in some of Manhattan’s most densely-populated neighborhoods.
Raccoon populations in south Florida parklands reach 250 animals per square kilometer – 200 times the densities of those dwelling in natural habitats! In addition to serving as a reservoir for rabies and distemper, raccoons in Florida pose a serious threat to the nesting success of green, loggerhead and other marine turtles.
Please check in next week to see how a well-planned control program for both iguanas and raccoons went astray…and would up helping the iguana population to grow astronomically! Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
Further Reading
Iguanas make fascinating pets, but, as males may exceed 6 feet in length, they are not for the unprepared. Please read our cage guide, Green Iguanas, before you take on one of these impressive giants. Green Iguana image referenced from Morguefile.
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