South Carolina officials have documented the primary confirmed sighting of a black and white tegu lizard, a non-native species which will have a detrimental impact on the state's wildlife.
The female lizard, found and faraway from Lexington County, measured about 2.5 feet long, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) said during a news release on Friday. The species can reach up to 4 feet and weigh quite 10 pounds.
"The introduction of any non-native species can have serious negative impacts on native wildlife. Black and white tegus are no exception," SCDNR herpetologist Andrew Grosse said during a statement.
"Tegus mature and reproduce quickly, though most concerning may be their preference for eggs and the potential impacts to our native ground-nesting birds like turkey and quail, as well as other species such as the state-endangered gopher tortoise."
The lizards, native to South America, are voracious omnivores that hunt birds, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. They also eat fruits, vegetables, insects and eggs. along side posing a risk to native species, they'll also spread exotic parasites to native wildlife or maybe cause the bacterial contamination of crops.
Black and white tegu lizards established themselves in Georgia and Florida, "likely as a result of release or escape," consistent with the news release. As a non-native species, the animals aren't protected by state wildlife laws or regulations.
The SCDNR has received multiple sighting reports since May, but this is often the primary time it's been confirmed. The species doesn't pose a threat to pet dogs or cats, and aren't considered aggressive toward people.
Officials are urging anyone who spots one among these lizards to require a photograph and report where and when it had been seen.
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