Hikers were surprised to discover a giant invasive lizard, the Argentinian tegu, in a California park.
What happened?
An article in Smithsonian Magazine revealed that the Argentine tegu was found in Joseph D. Grant County Park not far from San Jose.
After hikers spotted the invasive species, park rangers began searching for the lizards and telling the public to keep an eye out. Although Argentine tegu lizards do not pose a physical threat to humans, these lizards are not suitable for use in the United States and could cause serious harm to local ecosystems.
According to the Smithsonian Institution, the taiko may have been an escaped pet. “Please do not look for taiko or capture it,” Santa Clara County Parks said on Facebook. “If you see it, please back off safely and notify a ranger as soon as possible.”
The Sacramento Bee later reported that park officials captured the tegu in hopes that it was just an isolated case of an escaped or released pet, putting an end to concerns. However, even this situation can lead to invasive species problems if two or more animals in the same area discover each other and breed.
Tegus, which can grow up to 5 feet long, eat the eggs and hatchlings of native species such as ground-nesting birds, snakes, alligators and turtles.
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Why are invasive species such a serious problem?
Typically, invasive species are introduced into ecosystems by humans, and their presence has the potential to disrupt native ecology. They reproduce quickly, making it difficult for plants and animals to survive in their natural habitats.
By competing with native species for food and water, the overall balance of the area can be thrown into disarray, and endangered species can be pushed to extinction.
What measures are being taken against invasive species?
Protecting native species by prioritizing native plants, animals and habitats protects natural resources and ensures food security, and can limit the spread of disease between animals and humans.
It is illegal to own tegus in Florida because they are so invasive, and officials are trying to capture and euthanize as many of the lizards as possible.
“We can slow them down, but we can’t stop them. They’re here and they’re reproducing,” said Kevin Donmoyer, an invasive species biologist at Everglades National Park, according to the Smithsonian Institution.
Although tegas are illegal to raise and breed in many parts of the United States, including Florida, they are legal to breed in California. If the invasive species problem becomes more severe, local governments may consider tightening laws regarding owning these lizards.
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