nile monitors in florida (1 Viewer)

[maersk]

The Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus), the longest lizard in Africa was first observed in southwestern peninsular Florida in the Cape Coral area ofLee County ca. 1990. From April 2001 through 7 July 2003, we compiled 146 sightings or captures of this species by local residents or ourselves. Numerous individuals of all size classes have been observed or collected, suggesting the occurrence of a reproducing population. Although our records are mostly con-fined to Cape Coral, our data indicate that V. niloticus has recently expanded itsrange northwards and to nearby islands. Because this large lizard has the potential to disperse into nearby ecologically sensitive areas and preserves where it could pose a serious threat to waterbirds, Burrowing Owls (Athenecunicularia), sea turtles, and other native wildlife, population monitoring and eradication are warranted.

 

[jurek]

Bush administration willsurely give money to get rid of them.

The reason is that they come illegaly from around the Nile, so can be a base for radical Islamic fundamentalists.