Wildlife officials are concerned that the Argentine black and white tegu, an invasive lizard species already causing problems in Florida and Georgia, may be establishing itself in South Carolina. This reptile is known to eat a variety of native species and may also spread nonindigenous parasites or pathogens to native wildlife, posing a threat to the local ecosystem. There have been 100 reported sightings of the tegu in South Carolina, and state officials are working to prevent the species from becoming established by euthanizing any captured specimens and raising awareness among residents. The tegu was classified as restricted, non-native wildlife in South Carolina in 2021, and pet owners were required to register the species with the state.
It is believed that the tegu was introduced to South Carolina through the pet trade, but new regulations led to a 100% reduction in the overall trade of the species. The appearance of the lizards in clusters across more than a quarter of the state’s counties suggests repeated introductions or releases into the wild, raising concerns about the potential for reproduction. Any sightings of tegus in the wild should be documented and reported to the Department of Natural Resources. While the tegu is not protected by state wildlife laws, residents are still required to report sightings and can take action to get rid of the creatures themselves. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is actively working to address the problem and encourages the public to report any tegu sightings to protect the state’s wildlife and ecosystems.
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