Invasive 5-Foot Asian Water Monitor Lizard Spotted in North Port, Florida

On May 20, 2024, a large Asian water monitor lizard, measuring five feet in length, was spotted crossing a road in North Port, Florida. The sighting was captured on video by Renee Aland, who was driving down Hillsboro Boulevard with her daughter Zoey Marzonie.

Why this matters: The presence of invasive species like the Asian water monitor lizard can have devastating effects on native ecosystems and biodiversity. If left unchecked, it could lead to a decline in native species populations and alter the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

The lizard, identified as an invasive species, was seen strutting across the road near Bamboo Road. Aland, initially mistaking it for an alligator, quickly realized it was a massive lizard. "He's huge," she exclaimed in the video. "He's just strutting across the road. He's heading to the other side of the road."

Asian water monitors are native to South and Southeast Asia and are considered the second-largest lizard species in the world, capable of growing up to 10 feet long. These lizards have a natural affinity for water and are typically found near lakes, swamps, ponds, and rivers. Their presence in Florida is attributed to the pet trade, where exotic lizards are often brought into the state.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was notified of the sighting by Aland, who shared the video on Facebook. The FWC has confirmed the lizard as a nonnative monitor lizard and is monitoring the situation. The current whereabouts of the lizard are unknown.

Asian water monitors are voracious eaters, with a diet that includes snakes, insects, birds, frogs, rodents, and small birds. Their presence in Florida raises concerns about the impact on the local ecosystem. "It was really cool, never seen anything like that before, but the concern is what it is doing to our native wildlife," said Aland. "Obviously, they're pretty voracious eaters, so I can't imagine they're good for our ecosystem."

The FWC encourages anyone who spots monitor lizards in Florida to report their sightings to the Invasive Species Hotline at 888-483-4681 or online. The agency is actively working to track and manage invasive species like the Asian water monitor to mitigate their effects on native wildlife.

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of invasive species in Florida, where other non-native species like the Peter's rock agama have also been documented. The presence of these species highlights the importance of monitoring and managing invasive wildlife to protect the state's native ecosystems, as seen in this article.

Key Takeaways

• A 5-foot Asian water monitor lizard was spotted crossing a road in North Port, Florida on May 20, 2024.
• The lizard is an invasive species that can harm native ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Asian water monitors are native to South and Southeast Asia and can grow up to 10 feet long.
• Their presence in Florida is attributed to the pet trade, and they can eat snakes, birds, and small animals.
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is monitoring the situation and encourages reporting of invasive species sightings.