First Evidence for Reproduction of Nile Monitors (Varanus niloticus) in Palm Beach County

Jennifer Ketterlin Eckles; Frank Mazzotti; Dennis Giardina; Dallas Hazelton; H. LeRoy Rodgers

doi:10.1656/058.015.sp812

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1 December 2016 First Evidence for Reproduction of Nile Monitors (Varanus niloticus) in Palm Beach County

Jennifer Ketterlin Eckles, Frank Mazzotti, Dennis Giardina, Dallas Hazelton, H. LeRoy Rodgers

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Southeastern Naturalist, 15(sp8):114-119 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1656/058.015.sp812

Abstract

Varanus niloticus (Nile Monitor) is a large, carnivorous lizard native to sub-Saharan Africa. A breeding population of Nile Monitors was documented in southwestern Florida (Lee County) in 2004. In 2011, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission began surveying the C-51 canal on the southeastern Florida coast in Palm Beach County in response to multiple reports of monitor lizards. These surveys resulted in observations of 9 Nile Monitors, including a hatchling and copulating pair. Three additional hatchlings were later reported by private citizens. These observations provide evidence of a breeding population of these non-native lizards in southeastern Florida.

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Jennifer Ketterlin Eckles, Frank Mazzotti, Dennis Giardina, Dallas Hazelton, and H. LeRoy Rodgers "First Evidence for Reproduction of Nile Monitors (Varanus niloticus) in Palm Beach County," Southeastern Naturalist 15(sp8), 114-119, (1 December 2016). https://doi.org/10.1656/058.015.sp812

Published: 1 December 2016

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