Animal Programs: Nonnative Species of Florida

By Jasmine Alvarado, Species Management Officer

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) They cause negative impacts to local wildlife and damage residential and commercial landscape vegetation. They are considered an invasive species and were added to Florida's Prohibited Species List in April 2021. These iguanas are not located at the Zoo and are found in southern counties of Florida.

Florida is one of the most biologically diverse states in America. It has more than 4,000 known animal species, of which almost 300 of them are only found in Florida. Our native wildlife is at risk due to the increased number of invasive species, specifically nonnative animals that are negatively affecting Florida’s ecosystem.

A Green anaconda can be seen in the Temple at Range of the Jaguar. This species is not established in the wild in Florida. The FWC Management Focus includes preventing populations from establishing and limiting possession through regulation.

There are currently 139 nonnative species of fish and other wildlife that have established populations in Florida. We have more nonnative species living and breeding in the wild than any other place in the world. Many of these species were introduced via the exotic pet trade, such as the Burmese python, black-and-white tegu and the green iguana, all of which became listed as prohibited species and are now illegal to keep as pets in the state of Florida. While their populations are only established in southern Florida, sightings have been recorded throughout the state, most likely the result of people releasing their “pets” to the wild when they get too big and expensive to maintain.

Invasive species disrupt Florida ecosystems by altering the predator-to-prey balance to such extremes that our native flora and fauna cannot compete. Invasive animals have no natural predators and they prey on Florida’s native species including endangered and threatened wildlife.

There are many different programs to help curb the population of invasive species. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) developed the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program in 2006 that gives exotic pet owners a responsible alternative to releasing a pet. For no costs or legal penalties, no matter the regulatory status (e.g., prohibited or conditional), anyone can have their pet rehomed to an approved adopter for whatever reason. While the pet does have to stay at the original owner’s home until an adopter can be found, this gives a second chance to these animals that would have otherwise been released into the wild or euthanized. Anyone can apply to become an adopter.

Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) A Burmese Python can be seen in the WIld Florida Herpetology House. In 1992 Category 5 Hurricane Andrew struck south Florida which included a Burmese Python breeding facility. Many of the breeding facility snakes escaped during the storm and survived in the wild. Today, the Everglades are overrun with thousands of these snakes. They continue to decimate local populations of raccoons, opossums, rabbits and foxes.

Besides adopting an exotic animal, you can report any sightings to FWC of nonnative species out in the wild throughout Florida. Either online or via the app IveGot1, you can upload photos and share the location where you found the animal. There’s also a hotline, (888) 483-4681, where you can speak with a live operator or leave a voicemail. It is never recommended to approach any of these nonnative animals if encountered in the wild. The best thing that you can do is report and observe from a distance.

The Zoo is a current Prohibited Species permit holder for our African Rock Python, Burmese Python and Green Anaconda. We began housing these species in 1966 and as a permit holder, we are required to make reports annually, educate about these species as well as maintain exhibits that meet the FWC standard regulations.

Additional Information: Myfwc: Florida's Nonnative Fish and Wildlife

Eddmaps: Map of Known Nonnative Species Sightings

African Rock Python (Python sebae) An African Rock Python can be seen in the Africa Loop Herpetology House. They are considered an invasive species and were added to Florida's Prohibited Species List in April 2021. They are also listed as an Injurious Species by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) which prevents their importation to the States.

Black and White Tegus (Tupinambis merianae) They prey upon imperiled and protected native Florida species including juvenile gopher tortoises.

They are considered an invasive species and were added to Florida's Prohibited Species List in April 2021. These lizards are not located at the Zoo and are found in southern counties of Florida.

Myfwc: Florida's Nonnative Fish and WildlifeEddmaps: Map of Known Nonnative Species Sightings