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.
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.
1 comment:
Hello my name is Jason Mazzocchio. I am a medically retired US ARMY combat veteran. I have recently purchased a sexual pair of 06 boas that were c.b. by Dennis Sargent from Tom Crutchfield. The adult breeders were captured in the "wild" at the Deering Estate in Dade County, Fl. These adults were on loan to Dennis and now to Tom Crutchfield by the Florida Museum of Natural History. Any information I have recieved from Tom is very limeted and was wondering if you have any information or research (or research contacts) on these "wild animals". I understand research is continuing on this isloated population and there is still much to learn and I would like to get any and all available information on this isolated population that is available. I will be breeding these in an attempt to save these unique boas because I understand Florida has issued an eradication policy regarding them. Any help in locating information and contacting the persons with this knowledge would be appreciated.
Jason Mazzocchio
USA ARMY (RET)
jason_mazzy@yahoo.com
Post a Comment