From the boa constrictors and iguanas of Florida to domestic cats everywhere, invasive species can range from large to small; either way, they can wreak havoc on any ecosystem. Once an animal population has become established and is thriving, it can be difficult to prevent that population from causing problems. A lot of invasive species can start out as innocently as releasing an unwanted pet but can grow into a huge problem under the right conditions.

            Take the green iguana, for instance. Green iguanas are native to South America, some of Mexico, and the Caribbean islands. Due to their popularity as a pet, and the right environmental conditions, there are now invasive populations in Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Puerto Rico. When visiting a pet store, one may see a small lizard and think it would make a great pet. Without doing any research, though, they might not realize that the same baby lizard can grow to 6 feet from tip of the nose to tail. If not prepared for this kind of growth, one may think the best answer is to release the lizard into the “wild”. Especially in these warmer areas, the iguana will do great! Why is it a problem? Well, the iguanas feed on lots of different creatures, including endangered tree snails, butterflies, and other native lizard and insect species.

            Let’s look at the boa constrictor, native to Central and South America, was first introduced around the year 1990 to Florida, likely released as a pet or escaped facilities during hurricanes. They start small, around a foot long, but can reach 8 to 13 feet long. This is a large snake that requires a lot of space. Why are they so damaging in the wilds of Florida? Well, they feed on native and sometimes threatened species of lizards, birds, and mammals.

            Domestic cats are an invasive species? Yes, domestic cats are considered invasive because they originate from North Africa and Southwest Asia. European settlers brought them over as pets, and their presence as pets has taken off. Cats released into the wild, also known as feral cats, are responsible for killing many native birds and mammals. One’s pet cat, if let outside unsupervised, can also end up killing.

            So how do we help limit the damage of invasive species in the wild? Responsible pet ownership. Before getting a pet, it is important to do your research. “How big will the animal get?” “Is there a special diet?” “Can I afford to take care of them as they grow?” “How long will they live?”  These are all great questions to ask when thinking of getting a pet. What if I already have cats? Bring them indoors. Having indoor cats is just like having any pet; you are being responsible. Supervise their time outside. It’s important we don’t allow our pets to roam free, or we can contribute to the feral populations, or our pets can end up killing native species. Want to learn more? Reach out to us at leerichardsonzoo.org or send us an email at zoo.education@gardencityks.us