A 5-foot-long Asian water monitor lizard was recently seen scurrying around a busy road in North Port, Florida. The lizard, resembling the pet lizard Mrs. Kipling from the Disney Channel show “Jessie,” was captured on video by Renee Aland and her daughter, Zoey Marzonie. Aland called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission after initially mistaking the lizard for an alligator. The Asian water monitor is an invasive species in Florida and can grow to be four to six feet long, consuming a variety of wildlife.
In addition to the Asian water monitor, another invasive species known as the Peter’s rock agama has been spotted moving up the coast of Florida, specifically in parts of Central Florida. Ken Gioeli, a natural resources extension agent with the University of Florida, has referred to this movement as “the invasion front.” The impact of these red-headed reptiles on the environment is still being assessed. The Peter’s rock agama is native to tropical, sub-Saharan Africa and was first documented in Florida in 1976, now establishing a presence in 20 counties.
Residents of Florida are urged to be vigilant of these invasive species and report any sightings to the appropriate authorities. The concern remains about the impact these species could have on the local ecosystem as voracious eaters consuming a variety of native wildlife. As these sightings continue, efforts to manage and control these invasive species are ongoing to protect the local environment.
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