Everglades Invasive Reptile and Amphibian Monitoring Program: Summary of the First Five Years

University of Florida biologist Mike Rochford with captured Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus).

South Florida has more nonnative species of reptiles and amphibians than anywhere else in the world. Some of these species become invasive and harm the environment, economy, and/or public health. Once populations are widely established, management becomes expensive, long-term, and often ineffective. Early detection and rapid response offers the best chance to contain or eradicate populations before they can spread and become unmanageable. Toward that end, the Everglades Invasive Reptile and Amphibian Monitoring Program provides a scientific framework for monitoring invasive reptiles and amphibians in south Florida. It also monitors native reptiles, amphibians, and mammals to assess impacts of invasive species.

This 5-page fact sheet written by Rebecca G. Harvey, Mike Rochford, Jennifer Ketterlin Eckles, Edward Metzger III, Jennifer Nestler, and Frank J. Mazzotti and published by the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department lists the objectives, activities, and accomplishments of the program over its first five years, and it describes some ways Floridians and visitors to the state can help with the effort.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw431

The Argentine Black and White Tegu in South Florida: Population Growth, Spread, and Containment

Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae)
Robin Bijlani, University of Florida

Florida is home to more nonnative species of reptiles and amphibians than anywhere else in the world because of its subtropical climate, large areas of disturbed habitats, and thriving trade in exotic pets. Although pythons have received the majority of public attention, invasive lizards also pose a significant threat to south Florida’s native wildlife and ecosystems, and a good example is the Argentine black and white tegu. Learn more about this exotic lizard in this 3-page fact sheet written by Rebecca G. Harvey and Frank J. Mazzotti and published by the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw405

The Invasion of Exotic Reptiles and Amphibians in Florida (WEC320/UW365)

Figure 1. Argentine black and white teguFlorida has more introduced species of reptiles and amphibians living and breeding in the wild than anywhere else in the world. This 6-page fact sheet summarizes findings from three recent scientific papers describing who these invaders are, their potential ecological impacts, and recommendations for their management and control. Written by Frank J. Mazzotti and Rebecca G. Harvey, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, May 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw365

WEC302/UW347 Quick Reference Guide: Introduced Constrictors in Florida

WEC302, a 2-page fact sheet by Steve A. Johnson and Monica E. McGarrity, is a quick reference guide to identification of the constrictors one is most likely to encounter in Florida. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw347