In addition to iguanas, alligators, crocodiles, and Burmese pythons, Florida is home to another species of dangerous predator: the Nile monitor. Native to Africa, this large semi-aquatic lizard can grow up to six feet long (1.8 m) and weigh up to eight pounds.
They can live up to 20 years in captivity. It is the largest species among African lizards.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), they have been present in South Florida since the 1990s. However, invasive species hunters report seeing more and more of them lately. Mike Kimmel, nicknamed the Python Cowboy (@pythoncowboy), now hunts Nile monitor lizards in addition to pythons and iguanas.
They live in mangroves, marshes, and the state’s canal system. They are found mainly in Lee County (particularly Cape Coral) and Palm Beach County, though they have also been spotted in Broward and Miami-Dade since 2008. The Florida population likely originated from domesticated individuals released into the wild, either intentionally or accidentally. They can use their sharp claws to tear through wire fences.
To Kimmel, these lizards are a smaller version of the Komodo dragon. They belong to the same family (Varanidae). Their skin is olive-green and black, with yellow or cream-colored stripes. Their paddle-shaped tails are one and a half times longer than their bodies, which helps them navigate in the water. They can stay underwater for 12 to 15 minutes. Nile monitor lizards are mostly active during the day and can be seen basking in the sun on riverbanks.
They are carnivorous and feed on crabs, crayfish, mussels, snails, and slugs, as well as insects, frogs and toads, fish, lizards, turtles, snakes, young crocodiles, birds (and their eggs), and small mammals. They have also attacked small domestic animals and chickens.
They threaten protected populations: sea turtles, wading birds, box turtles, and American crocodiles. Their reproduction rate is high (females lay 12 to 60 eggs), and their diet is varied, making them an adaptable species, especially since the Nile monitor can live and move on land, in freshwater, and in saltwater. Biologists report that this is a rapidly expanding species that threatens local wildlife. The FWC encourages reports of Nile monitor lizards by phone or through their online system.
Nile monitor lizards were added to the list of prohibited species in 2021.
Since this is not a protected species—except under animal cruelty laws applicable to all species—Nile monitor lizards may be euthanized on private property with the owner’s permission. This species may be trapped and killed year-round without a permit or hunting license on 32 Commission-managed properties in South Florida.
Source: myfwc.com
Report sightings: 888-483-4681
