Florida is known for its abundant and diverse wildlife, including a significant population of lizards. While an exact count of individual lizards is impossible, Florida is home to an extraordinary variety of species. The state’s warm climate and varied habitats support a thriving reptilian community.
Florida’s Diverse Lizard Population
Counting individual lizards in Florida is challenging due to their rapid reproduction, elusive behaviors, and vast habitats. Instead, we consider the remarkable diversity of species. Florida has 15 native lizard species, including the green anole, various skinks like the common five-lined skink, and the six-lined racerunner. These native lizards occupy specific niches within Florida’s ecosystems.
Florida also hosts 34 established non-native or exotic lizard species. This means non-native species outnumber native ones by more than two to one. Examples include the brown anole, green iguanas, Argentine black and white tegus, Northern curly-tailed lizards, and Nile monitors. Florida has more introduced reptile and amphibian species breeding in the wild than any other place globally.
Why Florida is a Lizard Haven
Florida’s subtropical climate provides consistent warm, humid temperatures year-round, ideal for lizards to thrive and reproduce. Mild winters allow many species to remain active, extending breeding seasons. This warmth fosters a rich insect population, providing an ample food supply.
The state’s diverse habitats also contribute to its appeal. Florida features environments from wetlands and pine forests to scrublands and coastal areas, plus urban and suburban landscapes. These varied settings offer shelter, foraging, and basking opportunities, supporting many lizard species. Human-modified environments, such as gardens, also create suitable microhabitats.
Human activity has influenced lizard populations, especially non-native species. The exotic pet trade is a primary pathway for introduction, with animals escaping or being released. Some species arrive accidentally as “stowaways” on cargo shipments. Once established, many non-native lizards lack natural predators, allowing populations to expand rapidly.
The Ecological Role of Florida’s Lizards
Native lizards play important roles as both predators and prey. They primarily consume insects and other small invertebrates, regulating populations of mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, and crickets. This contributes to the health of local insect communities. Native lizards also serve as a food source for larger animals, including birds, snakes, and mammals, integrating them into the broader food web.
Non-native lizards introduce ecological pressures. Invasive species often compete directly with native lizards for resources like food and habitat. For example, the brown anole outcompetes the native green anole, forcing it to adapt by occupying higher perches. This competition can reduce native populations and disrupt ecological dynamics.
Beyond competition, many non-native lizards are predators that impact native wildlife. Large invasive species like green iguanas and Argentine black and white tegus consume eggs of ground-nesting birds and turtles, small mammals, and other reptiles. Some invasive lizards also damage agricultural crops and infrastructure through feeding and burrowing. Invasive lizards can also contribute to disease spread within local ecosystems.