Invasive Tegu Lizard Alert in Georgia
Residents of Georgia might be surprised to see a 4-foot-long reptile, usually found in South America, lurking in their backyards.
Wildlife officials are sounding the alarm about invasive species that pose serious risks to local wildlife, spread diseases, and disrupt natural habitats across the state.
The Argentine black-and-white tegu, a large lizard that can reach up to 4 feet in length and weigh over 10 pounds, has been spotted in Toombs and Tattnall counties in southeastern Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging locals to report any sightings of this lizard and, if possible, to trap and eliminate them.
This non-native lizard is becoming an increasing worry statewide, thanks to its diverse diet and rapid reproduction capabilities.
Tegus are known to feast on various wildlife, including crocodile eggs, ground-nesting birds like quail and wild turkeys, and even endangered species such as baby gopher tortoises.
Alongside native wildlife, these lizards indulge in chicken eggs, fruits, vegetables, pet food, carrion, and small creatures, from grasshoppers to young turtles.
There’s also concern about the potential for these reptiles to introduce invasive parasites to the local fauna and contaminate crops, given that many tegus carry Salmonella.
The DNR first started looking into reports of Argentine black-and-white tegus in Georgia back in 2018, but the species has grown in number considerably since then.
Native to countries like Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, the Argentine black-and-white tegu is among the largest tegu species worldwide.
Without many natural predators, these lizards can reproduce quickly. Female tegus can lay as many as 35 eggs annually, usually hatching between June and July in Georgia.
To tackle this issue, the DNR is collaborating with organizations such as the U.S. Geological Survey and Georgia Southern University to trap and study the tegu population in Toombs and Tattnall counties, aiming to remove them from the wild.
Officials are hopeful that, with ongoing efforts and help from the public, they can eventually eradicate this invasive species from the state.
