I am a forth generation native son from an actual
pioneering family. For over 110 years, we have lived
with and grown to love the native species here
in the Florida Keys and the Everglades.
Twenty one years ago, I began working with reptiles
professionally, specializing in nonnative invasive
species.
Millions of years of evolution created a system of checks and balances that kept the animal populations in control naturally.
THEN...
Humans introduced species such as Iguanas, Pythons,
and Tegus. With very high reproduction rates and
few predators, their populations have exploded.
The balance of nature is no longer in balance.
The invasives feed on the eggs and young natives,
and compete for territory and resources.
In just 20 years, the invasive populations of reptiles and other species now number in the millions in Florida.
Unfortunetaly, at this time, there are no large scale
efforts underway to make this right.
There are no easy answers.
The only practical option to break the cycle is to remove
as many as possible from the wild.
Please remember this above all:
Never loose focus of the fact that our Florida
Native Species are decreasing in numbers.
They need protection to survive this competition.
About
Iguana Expert...
More than a title
