invasive species

The FWC seeks $150.2 million in legislative funding to help eradicate Burmese pythons and to provide larger stipends for trappers called to handle nuisance alligators.

With Oriental fruit flies in Pinellas County and giant African land snails in Pasco County, the greater Tampa Bay region has a couple quarantined zones. But what does that mean exactly and how is it enforced?

Authorities warn people not to touch the mollusks if one is found. Instead, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture's Division of Plant Industry Helpline at 1-888-397-1517.

Researchers say spending more on efforts to contain invasive species and prevent their spread once they arrive, could help reduce expensive damages.

Tegus have been reported in 35 Florida counties, including nearly every part of the greater Tampa Bay region. A new factsheet shows their presence is now established in several North Florida counties and as far north as Georgia.

Within the next 20 years, experts believe rabies-carrying vampire bats could enter the U.S. through Latin America, so the federal government is bringing stakeholders together from across the country.

Florida’s Prohibited Species List now has 16 new high-risk nonnative reptiles added. They include Argentine black and white tegus, green iguanas, Nile monitor lizards, Burmese pythons, reticulated pythons, and green anacondas.

The mussels have been found in popular moss balls, used in aquariums and as decoration, in 21 states so far. If you have one, officials say boil it or freeze it before disposing it in a trash container.

After collecting comments from reptile breeders and environmental activists at multiple workshops and focus groups, Florida wildlife officials are expected to revise the rules around the possession and commercial sale of highly invasive nonnative species, like tegu lizards and green iguanas.

In 2018, legislators approved a law that set up a program to target invasive species including pythons, tegu lizards and lionfish.

Reptile breeders, exhibitors and shop owners said the proposals threaten the nature of their business, including public education about species. A vote is expected in December.

The FWC approved draft rules in July that would change the listing for “conditional” species, like Burmese pythons and Nile monitor lizards, to "prohibited."