Varanus niloticus

Nile Monitor Invasion

An interest in exotic invasive species in South Florida has been coming up alot in the news and there have been a couple of articles in South Florida newspapers regarding detrimental effects on Florida ecosystems regarding invasive exotics. One particuliar instance has been recorded on Sanibel Island on the west coast of Florida. The intruder is the Nile Monitor.

The concern is that this lizard, with it's voracious appetite, is going to take a bite out of the bird populations on the island. Not only will Nile monitors attack and kill adult or small birds but it is also known for eating eggs. The Nile monitor, which is originally from Africa, appears to be adapting to its new coastal home very well. It's ability to dive and remain submerged in canals and water systems for up to an hour is no doubt hindering the eradication process.
But not only are these creatures found seclusively on Sanibel Island, the photo above was taken in 1995, and the handsome guy on the right is me. This Nile monitor was found wandering in a field in Hollywood, Fl.

Alligator Nest

Alright so it looks like just a mess of leaves and twigs: well your half right. But not only decomposing plant material is found in this mound, it also contains eggs. The loving mother alligator uses it's back legs and sometimes mouth to collect and push together this spectacular nest. Alligator eggs, and an occasional turtle egg will be laid in the middle of this mound. It is interesting that turtles will also use the alligator nest to incubate it's eggs along side of the alligator. The decomposition of the leaves keeps the eggs warm and the built up mound keeps the eggs out of the water. This particular nest is one of the largest I have seen yet out in the Florida Everglades. I was a little nervous about the ....... actually I wasn't scared at all. A little fact... The sex ( male or female) of the alligator that will emerge from these eggs is determined by the temperature at which the egg has been incubated at.

Ghost Orchid

While checking water levels in Big Cypress Seminole Indian preserve our team came across a great discovery; a rare Ghost Orchid.

Beautiful in its own glory the swamp is not only essential to life, but, a great place for preserving tranquility. Check it out.

Good day

Ruddy Daggerwing, Fern Forest.

Caracara

The first of many days in which I, William Ripley Mohler III, bring a little bit of nature into the eyes of people who do not have the time to appreciate it.

Caracara,Hendry County,---->