Nonnative species are species that do not belong in Florida. Whether they were brought here by accident, as is the case with stowaways on cargo ships, or illegally released into the wild by someone who was keeping them as an exotic pet, they are here now when they are not supposed to be. Most nonnative species cause minimal issues, if any at all. However, some are classified as invasive and negatively impact Florida native fish populations and wildlife. They can sometimes even threaten human health and safety or cause damages that are very costly to repair.
So what are some nonnative species that can be found here in Florida? What should you do if you spot any? Read on to find out!
The Cuban Treefrog
Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) are an invasive species of frog that can be white, gray, green, or brown and have the ability to change colors. Some Cuban treefrogs have streaks and splotches while others are almost entirely solid in color. All of this variation can make it hard to identify them! This pesky treefrog is native to Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas and they were unknowingly and accidentally brought here in cargo containers. These teeny hitchhikers are considered an invasive species here in Florida, which means they are impacting our environment and ecosystem negatively. They eat some of our native Florida frogs, their tadpoles compete with native tadpoles, and they have a tendency to use our outdoor walls and windows as their personal toilets, oftentimes leaving feces stains which are very visible and ugly. To top it all off, these nonnative treefrogs grow larger than our native ones and they are sometimes the culprits in costly power outages caused by short-circuiting utility switches!
Cane Toad (AKA Bufo, Giant, or Marine Toad)
Like its pesky predecessor in this article, the Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) is a nonnative amphibian to Florida. However, this guy is a bit more troublesome as it is a threat to our pets and other local wildlife in the sense that Cane Toads are very poisonous! Curious critters looking to snack on a hefty-sized Cane Toad will be in for a rude awakening as they have glands that secrete a milky-white toxin called bufotoxin. These secretions can sicken or even kill animals that bite them or feed on them, and they can also burn or irritate the eyes and skin of humans who try to handle them. These unwelcome toads can grow up to 9 inches in length, be reddish-brown or grayish-brown with light yellow or beige underbellies. They can have dark markings or be a solid color, and their troublesome glands can be spotted behind their eyes. Cane Toads were initially brought to Florida to help control agricultural pests in sugar cane in the 30's and 40's. However, since that time, they have been believed to have been released or escaped their controlled environments, leading to today's population.
Green Iguana
Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are nonnative, invasive reptiles in Florida that cause harm to our ecosystems and environments. Iguanas are large green (sometimes black or brown) lizards that have a row of spikes going down the majority of their bodies. Male and female iguanas can grow to over five feet in length, with males weighing in at an average of 17 pounds and the females reaching about seven pounds. Although many think they look neat and some even keep them as pets, green iguanas are considered a nuisance by property owners as they cause damage to residential and commercial landscapes. Iguanas are also known to damage important infrastructure such as sidewalks and foundations due to their burrow-digging nature. They also pose a risk of making humans ill with their potential to transmit salmonella through contact with water or surfaces contaminated by their feces.
Did you know? Once popular as pets, green iguana ownership is now prohibited in Florida. Only animals possessed before April 29, 2021, are permitted to be kept for personal possession.
What Should I Do If I Spot A Nonnative Species?
If you see a nonnative species, it's time to whip out your camera and assist FWC! There are tons that were not highlighted in this article, so to become familiar with all nonnative species in Florida, visit: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/.
It's important for sightings to be reported, as it's an invaluable way to help manage nonnative species. In order to provide FWC with a credible report, it's best to make sure you take a high resolution, non-blurry photo of said species and send it in to FWC with the location (GPS coordinates are the absolute best) and the date the species was seen. Reports can be submitted via the IveGot1 mobile app, online at https://www.eddmaps.org/report/animals.cfm?state=FL, or over the phone by calling 888-Ive-Got1 (483-4681).
Comentarios