Managing Invasive Reptiles in South Florida

Our Work on Invasive Reptiles in South Florida

Peninsular Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office

May 21, 2025

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In Florida’s subtropical wildlands and neighborhoods, two unexpected reptiles have joined the growing list of invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species : the black and white tegu and Peter’s rock agama. These unwelcome residents, along with other invasive terrestrial and semi-aquatic reptiles, are spreading across the landscape. In response, the Peninsular Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) has joined the effort to help control and manage these invasive lizards.

Adult male Peter's Rock Agama (Agama picticauda) on a tree stump (UF IFAS Photo)

The tegu—a large, robust lizard native to South America—is known for its voracious appetite and resilience. It consumes eggs, insects, small animals, and even plants, posing a serious threat to native wildlife, including ground-nesting birds and endangered turtles. Peter’s rock agama, originally from Africa, is smaller but equally bold, thriving in urban environments where it competes with native lizards for food and habitat. Both species likely arrived via the exotic pet trade, but following escapes or intentional releases, they’ve found Florida’s climate to be a perfect match.

Argentine Black and White Tegu collected in a live trap - Fort Pierce, Florida — Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) collected in live traps during a invasive reptile work day in Fort Pierce, FL.

FWCO staff have participated in specialized trainings and trapping sessions to better understand the life history of these species and to explore innovative methods for controlling their spread. For tegus, traps baited with eggs and tracking devices are being used to study their movements and remove them from sensitive habitats. Public outreach campaigns also play a key role—educating the public about the dangers of releasing unwanted pets and encouraging the reporting of sightings. Public outreach has positive effects in ways that may be unexpected. In a recent event targeting Peter's rock agama a local falconer came out with his American kestrel, named baby bird, who he trained to specifically hunt for invasive lizards in his area of Florida - St. Lucie County.

American kestrel trained to capture invasive lizards next to a picture of fake eggs used in tegu live traps — Trained to capture invasive lizards this American kestrel (Falco sparverius) joined a invasive reptile workday in Juno Beach, FL (left) next to a container of fake eggs used as "bait" when live trapping black and white tegus (Salvator merianae).

Peter’s rock agamas present additional challenges due to their widespread presence in developed areas, but FWCO staff are working to map their range and evaluate potential control strategies. As active committee members of the Treasure Coast, Southwest Florida, and Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs), FWCO personnel have been instrumental in organizing, planning, and participating in efforts to monitor and capture these invasive species.