Environmental BOLO - Black and White Tegu - recently spotted on North Key Largo

The FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES COMPLEX is asking people to report any sightings of the Black and White Tegu - an invasive species native to South America where it can be found in Brazil, Paraguay, eastern Uruguay and northern Argentina.

CLICK HERE to view the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission page regarding the Argentine Black and White Tegu.

Potential Impacts

Potential impacts of tegus include competition with and preying upon Florida’s native wildlife, including some imperiled and protected species. Tegus prey upon the nests of other animals, and researchers have documented tegus eating American alligator eggs and disturbing American crocodile nests in Florida. Recent gut content analysis of tegus by the FWC revealed that they consume Threatened juvenile gopher tortoises and agriculturally valuable foods, highlighting the impact this species may have on sensitive wildlife and agricultural lands.

SEE PRIOR BLOG POSTS RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES