Have you seen Argentine black and white tegus?

HAVE YOU SEEN
ARGENTINE BLACK AND WHITE TEGUS?

Tegus have been reported in the wild in Toombs and Tattnall counties. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is assessing the situation with these nonnative lizards. By reporting tegu sightings to DNR, you help biologists document occurrences and determine the best response.

Adult tegu (Dustin Smith)

Adult Argentine black and white tegu (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

Juvenile tegus (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

Argentine black and white tegus are an invasive species and pose threats to birds, small mammals and reptiles, and insects in Georgia. They also eat fruit, vegetables, plants, pet food, carrion and the eggs of chickens, ground-nesting birds and other reptiles, including alligators and gopher tortoises, Georgia's state reptile. Tegus will eat young gopher tortoises.

Learn more: www.georgiawildlife.com/tegus

Identify Argentine Black and White Tegus

Large, fast-moving terrestrial lizard, typically found on the ground Black to dark gray with white speckled bands across the back and tail Can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh up to 10 pounds Active during the day Hatchlings have green heads that fade by about 1 month of age

DNR's John Jensen checks a tegu trapped in Toombs County. (Georgia DNR)

Tegus at a Glance

Native to South America. The Argentine black Native reptiles tegus may be confused with:

and white tegu (Salvator merianae) is native to

Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina.

Terrestrial lizards rarely found more than a few

feet off the ground, but they are also strong

swimmers and can stay submerged for an

extended time. Argentine black and white tegus

occupy savannas and disturbed habitats, such as

forest clearings, fence rows and roadsides. They

American alligators (juveniles), a protected species. (Dirk J. Stevenson)

Adult broadhead skinks (Giff Beaton)

winter in burrows or under cover.

Popular in the pet trade. In the wild, as adults they have few predators and can reproduce quickly.

Reproductive-age females lay about 35 eggs a year.

Not considered aggressive but will defend themselves if threatened or harassed. These reptiles can

react fast, and have sharp teeth and claws and strong jaws.

Legal in Georgia to own as pets, but it is illegal to release any animal into the wild.

Not protected by Georgia wildlife laws or regulations, although local ordinances may apply.

YOU CAN HELP! Report tegus in the wild to Georgia DNR

Take a photo

Note the location

- Online at www.gainvasives.org/tegus - By phone to (478) 994-1438 - By email to gainvasives@dnr.ga.gov

Report the sighting

Sources include: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida