Over 100 invasive lizards the scale of canines have been reported all through South Carolina and are destroying the native ecosystem, together with killing endangered species.
The Argentine black and white tegu has been inflicting havoc all through the American South because it was first noticed in 2020. The lizard can develop as much as four-feet lengthy and is distinguished by its noticed scales –and voracious urge for food — as scientists say it eats nearly every little thing in sight.
Within the 4 years since its first sighting, the lizard has unfold all the best way to the Charleston mountains and Midlands in South Carolina. Nonetheless, state Herpetologist Andrew Grosse mentioned Friday that there’s to this point no proof that the lizards have been breeding, as reported by The State.
The lizards are primarily identified for being saved as pets, with almost 79,000 imported to america from 2000 to 2010 alone. Most of the ones initially noticed in 2020 had been both launched or had escaped from captivity.
Since 2020, the South Carolina Division of Pure Assets has confirmed 32 sightings throughout 17 counties, Grosse mentioned. Twenty-nine of those had been the black and white tegu.
The SCDNR has obtained a complete of 114 reported sightings throughout 27 counties, however have solely been in a position to affirm people who offered a photograph or resulted within the lizard’s seize, Grosse mentioned.
The state banned the black and white tegu over Memorial Day weekend in 2021. Anybody who already had a tegu as a pet was permitted to maintain it as long as they registered it with the SCDNR, however couldn’t breed it or deliver extra into the state.
The ban, nonetheless, has apparently not been sufficient to cease their unfold. The unfastened lizards have began to tear by way of the native ecosystem. Specialists have theorized that tegu homeowners are releasing them into the wild after they develop too massive to handle, as reported by the Each day Mail.
The omnivore isn’t a choosy eater and has gone after eggs, pet meals, and even species endangered within the Palmetto State like grasshoppers and younger gopher tortoises.
The SCDNR has inspired anybody who spots a tegu to contact them instantly and to ship a photograph if attainable.
Residents are allowed to shoot the invasive reptile if noticed, however solely whether it is authorized of their space.
The tegu is resilient and may stand up to most chilly climate due to its means to boost its inside physique temperature 50 levels increased than the present local weather. The lizards are additionally set to brumate quickly, which makes them motionless for weeks as colder winter climate hits.
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