Wildlife officials in the southern US state of Georgia are take for the public to help eradicate an trespassing lizard that may pose a menace to native species , including the state of matter - protected endangeredgopher tortoise .
Argentine dark and lily-white tegus are a magnanimous lizard native to Argentina , Brazil , Paraguay , and Uruguay in South America and have recently become established as an alien incursive species at several sites in south Florida . Taegu can have a negative impingement on native species as they “ consume just about anything they want ” – plant and animals alike . One of their favorite intellectual nourishment admit ballock from ground - nesting animals like the pouched rat tortoise and quail .
“ Tegus will eat the ball of ground - nesting birds — including quail and turkey — and other reptiles , such as American alligators and Minnesotan tortoise , both protected species . They will also consume chicken eggs , yield , vegetables , plants , pet food , carrion , and small lively animals , from hopper to young gopher tortoises,”writesthe Georgia Department of Natural Resources .
It is believe that Tegu lizard wereintroduced to Floridaeither as escaped or released pets and have since made their mode north to Georgia . Argentine inglorious and white tegu ( Salvator merianae ) can grow up to 4 - fundament - long and are characterized by black and blank banding along their tail . count up to 4.5 kilograms ( 10 pounds ) with a lifespan of 20 geezerhood , the large lizard are tight - moving and participating during the day , often in grassy or woodland areas or cleared forests as well as fence rows and roadsides . Adult lizard have few predators and can multiply cursorily and , though they are not take belligerent towards people , can fight themselves with their tails , hook , and sharp tooth when feeling threatened .
Although it is effectual to own Tegus as pets , it is illegal to let go any non - native animal without a permit . As such , wildlife official are working with the US Geological Survey and the Georgia Southern University to stop their cattle ranch , but are calling on the populace ’s help in reject the reptile ’s reach . Individuals are advance toreport sightingsof the brute to watch where to focus pin exertion to eradicate the mintage .
