Rise of an invasive lizard

Sightings of Peter’s rock agamas have increased on Sanibel and Captiva since Hurricane Ian. COURTESY PHOTO

If you see a lizard with a bright orange head, blue body and colorful tail, local environmentalists want to know about it.

They’re called Peter’s rock agamas. The lizards are exotic and invasive, and they’re on the move.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) asks people to report any spotting of the colorful creatures on the islands. SCCF says the population of Peter’s rock agamas has exploded since Hurricane Ian.

“They originally appeared here in the 1970s as escaped animals from the pet trade. The population of them has amplified and spread across the state. They like agricultural areas like Miami and Homestead. After Hurricane Charley (2004), we brought in thousands of trees and plants from those areas, and Peter’s rock agamas hitched a ride and are now within the islands,” said Chris Lechowicz, SCCF Wildlife and Habitat Management Director.

“Sightings of this invasive and exotic species on Sanibel began in 2006 when two were documented on the west end of the island. Since Hurricane Ian, they are now becoming significantly more abundant here.”

Peter’s rock agamas thrive in residential areas and are often spotted on curbs, rock piles and shrubs. COURTESY PHOTOS

Native to West Africa, this species of lizard is fast-moving and skittish. It is closely related to bearded dragons. Peter’s rock agamas are established throughout South and Central Florida.

They thrive in residential areas and are often spotted on lower levels from curbs, rock piles and shrubs.

Male Peter’s rock agamas have a distinctive shade of red to orange head and tail with a blue body, and females are primarily brown with faint white spots. They are between 12 to 24 inches in length. They eat smaller native lizards, insects, eggs, birds, small reptiles and mammals, and plants.

“Peter’s rock agamas are both exotic and invasive. They dominate and occupy spaces by taking over. Even native animals can become invasive. Florida doesn’t have a lot of native lizards here due to being surrounded by water, so exotic species can take over since there is no competition and our weather creates a desired habitat,” said Lechoqicz.

Male Peter’s rock agamas have a distinctive shade of red to orange head and tail with a blue body.

“They are a low threat; the most common complaint is from locals stating the amount of them has greatly increased. After the hurricane, we have seen a lot of species move around from where they originally were located, including the Peter’s rock agamas. We just want to see how widespread this population is on Sanibel and Captiva and keep a track record of where they are being spotted. They were not very common before Hurricane Ian, and now they can be found almost everywhere here. They seem to be multiplying very quickly.”

Lechowicz said people can capture these lizards and keep them as pets, but it is against Florida’s law to release the animal because it’s an exotic species.

“Post Hurricane Ian, we have seen more and more of these lizards throughout Sanibel and Captiva, and believe it is from bringing in new plants and palm trees along with the surge pushing these animals to other spots of the island and then multiplying and invading. We just want to get an estimated number of the population and where they are being found,” said Lechoqicz.

If you see this lizard on Sanibel or Captiva, try to take a picture, note the location, and send it to clechowicz@sccf.org .

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s website states that Peter’s rock agamas are easy to see but difficult to catch. Eradication of Florida’s established populations is likely not feasible.

Lechowicz added, “It is expected to become a more commonly seen exotic lizard over time.” ¦

The post Rise of an invasive lizard first appeared on Fort Myers Florida Weekly .