Skip to comments.
Florida’s Dragon Problem
The Atlantic ^
| 20 Apr, 2016
| ED YONG
Posted on 04/20/2016 7:20:59 PM PDT by MtnClimber
The speckled body of the Nile monitor lizard can reach up to 2 meters in length. At one end is a powerful tail that propels the animal through water and whips attackers with surprising force. At the other is a sinuous head that will devour rodents, birds, fish, crocodile eggs, and pretty much anything else within range of its fearsome, recurved teeth. The monitor isnt fussy. Its a formidable animal, and the largest lizard in Africa. Its also the largest lizard in Florida. No one knows exactly when the monitor arrived in Florida, but it was first spotted in 1990. It was probably introduced as part of the pet trade. It then either escaped or was released by people who realized much too late that maybe a huge, intelligent, active, predatory lizard doesnt make a great pet. Once the monitors were free, events unfolded predictably. These lizards wander over large areas, grow quickly, breed at an early age, and lay up to 60 eggs in a single clutchso their numbers quickly grew. They love water, and were drawn to the same waterfront properties that attract Florida home-owners. There are now three permanent breeding populations in the state, the largest of which includes more than 1,000 individuals.
(Excerpt) Read more at theatlantic.com ...
TOPICS: Science
KEYWORDS: floriduh; invasivespecies
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-20, 21-40, 41-56 next last
To: MtnClimber
I wonder if the alligators prey on them?
2
posted on
04/20/2016 7:21:37 PM PDT
by
MtnClimber
(For photos of Colorado scenery and wildlife, click on my screen name for my FR home page.)
To: MtnClimber
I wonder if their skin make good boot leather.
3
posted on
04/20/2016 7:25:17 PM PDT
by
Pontiac
(The welfare state must fail because it is contrary to human nature and diminishes the human spirit.)
To: Pontiac
Do they taste like chicken?
4
posted on
04/20/2016 7:26:53 PM PDT
by
Dr. Bogus Pachysandra
(Don't touch that thing Don't let anybody touch that thing!I'm a Doctor and I won't touch that thing!)
To: MtnClimber
As an invasive species it should be completely legal to hunt or trap them.
Putting a bounty on their heads is a good option.
5
posted on
04/20/2016 7:27:21 PM PDT
by
Pontiac
(The welfare state must fail because it is contrary to human nature and diminishes the human spirit.)
To: Dr. Bogus Pachysandra
6
posted on
04/20/2016 7:28:43 PM PDT
by
Pontiac
(The welfare state must fail because it is contrary to human nature and diminishes the human spirit.)
To: Pontiac
I wonder do they taste like chicken?
7
posted on
04/20/2016 7:29:36 PM PDT
by
redangus
To: Dr. Bogus Pachysandra; Pontiac; MtnClimber
"I will take him home
and I will hug him
and squeeze him
and I will call him
George!"
8
posted on
04/20/2016 7:31:46 PM PDT
by
shibumi
(Vampire Outlaw of the Milky Way)
To: Dr. Bogus Pachysandra
Should help with the stray cats problem.
9
posted on
04/20/2016 7:31:52 PM PDT
by
OldArmy52
(The question is not whether Obama ever lies, but whether he ever tells the truth.)
To: Dr. Bogus Pachysandra
good thing they don’t grow to 20 feet long....soon no anti-gun neighbors.
10
posted on
04/20/2016 7:33:27 PM PDT
by
OldArmy52
(The question is not whether Obama ever lies, but whether he ever tells the truth.)
To: MtnClimber
The MonitorsOff-beat grade C 60's movie with Larry Storch, Avery Schrieber, Dean Stockwell, Jackie Vernon, Alan Arkin, etc.
Interesting premise, starts off well, then, well....
11
posted on
04/20/2016 7:36:41 PM PDT
by
P.O.E.
(Pray for America)
To: MtnClimber
I wonder if they prey on aligators!
12
posted on
04/20/2016 7:37:27 PM PDT
by
fision
To: redangus
13
posted on
04/20/2016 7:40:00 PM PDT
by
Pontiac
(The welfare state must fail because it is contrary to human nature and diminishes the human spirit.)
To: MtnClimber
The speckled body of the Nile monitor lizard My Congo Merrimack lizard will fight it.
14
posted on
04/20/2016 7:40:24 PM PDT
by
KarlInOhio
(An orange jumpsuit is the new black pantsuit.)
To: fision
Florida also has problems with feral hogs, constrictor snakes like pythons and boa constrictors, and iguanas.
15
posted on
04/20/2016 7:42:58 PM PDT
by
MtnClimber
(For photos of Colorado scenery and wildlife, click on my screen name for my FR home page.)
To: KarlInOhio
To: shibumi
Lol. I had to think for a moment - where do I know that quote from? Was it the Monster in Bugs Bunny? Or another goofball Bugs character?
To: KarlInOhio
...My Congo Merrimack lizard will fight it... It took a few seconds, but it was worth it. ;-D
18
posted on
04/20/2016 7:55:14 PM PDT
by
GingisK
To: time4good
19
posted on
04/20/2016 7:58:10 PM PDT
by
shibumi
(Vampire Outlaw of the Milky Way)
To: Salamander
20
posted on
04/20/2016 7:59:04 PM PDT
by
Pelham
(Trump/Tsoukalos 2016 - vote the great hair ticket)
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-20, 21-40, 41-56 next last
Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson