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A lizard with an orange, tan or red head and tail with a dark main torso has been spotted all along Brevard County this summer. In fact, the other day I was filling up at 7-11 and saw one on the side wall of the building. So, what are these lizards that now call Brevard County home? They are called The Peter’s Rock Agama and they originate from Africa.
This lizard was first spotted in the wild in South Florida way back in 1976. They are part of the exotic pet trade and were introduced to the environment by people purposely and accidently letting them loose. Over the years the population has steadily increased as they made their way across Florida.
(photo courtesy of the University of Florida blog and used in this article for educational purposes only)
This reptile is what we would consider an invasive species. This means that Florida is not its natural habitat and that its introduction will put a strain on species which already exist here. They will often displace endemic creatures or even devour them.
Florida has had a recent history of invasive species. The brown anole, which you can probably look out your door right now and see, is an invasive species. Even though it may seem like it has fit well into our habitat, what you may not know is that is has done so at the cost of other species. The green anole used to dominate the land. This cousin species turns from green to brown, depending on its surroundings, and was very plentiful in numbers before the arrival of the brown anole. You’d be hard pressed to see the green anole in the wild now.
In recent years, Florida has had to deal with a huge invasion of animals. Everything from killer bees to huge Burmese Pythons in the Everglades. We are no stranger to the problem and it is getting worse. Mostly caused by the exotic pet trade, invasive species cost Floridians $45M per year.
The state of Florida would like us to report newly invasive species when we can. They hope to stem or slow down the invasion and give endemic animals a fighting chance at adjusting. You can call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Invasive Species Hotline at (888) 483-4681. Tell them what you saw and where you saw it.
If you see the Peter’s Rock Agama, a Burmese Python, or an Iguana, please call that number above. You can probably forget about calling in on the brown anole. It’s too late to do anything about them.
