Invasive lizard moving into parts of central Florida: FWC

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Florida’s wildlife is shared by many different native reptiles, but the invasive Peter’s rock agama has now nudged its spot into the mix while moving north into the state.

“Current expert opinion is that Peter’s Rock Agama have been reported in new locations in southern and central Florida in the past few years,” the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission told Florida’s Voice.

Notably, the commission stated it has yet to study the lizard’s range over time but would like to do so in the future.

According to the Florida Wildlife Commission, or FWC, the native sub-Saharan Africa lizard was first documented in Florida in 1976. The lizard has since established a residence in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Collier, Lee, Broward, Palm Beach, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard, Okeechobee, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia counties.

The Peter’s rock agama is considered invasive to Florida, meaning the lizard does not belong in its environment. The lizard is in the same category as the familiar green iguana and notorious Burmese python.

Although invasive, the Peter’s rock agama are regulated as Class III wildlife, meaning a permit is required to possess them for exhibition or sale. However, a permit is not required to possess them as personal pets.

Like other lizards, the Peter’s Rock Agama was introduced to Florida after being released or escaped as pets in the pet trade. The scenario also has fueled the rise of the Burmese python, considered one of the state’s apex predators.

While other invasive species might larger, female Peter’s rock agamas grow only between four to five inches long with males reaching eight to 12 inches in length. If recognized, breeding males have an orange or red head, indigo blue or black body, and a multi-colored bluish white, orange, and black tail.

Furthermore, pregnant females are recognized by orange patches on the body. Non-breeding males and females also are visible by their brownish bodies and light-colored lines on the head and neck.

The Peter’s rock agama feed mostly on ants, grasshoppers, crickets, beetles and other insects. Although, the lizard has been documented to eat snakes, lizards, birds, mammals and even their own offspring.

The commission also warned the lizard may pose a threat to small native insects and reptiles by either preying upon them or competing with them for resources.

Agamas can be humanely killed on private property year-round with landowner permission. The public also can kill the lizard on 32 commission lands under state law.