Florida native animals
67lizard anole
The native anole species in Florida is slowly being killed by brown anoles in fights for it's turf. I have personally seen brown anoles kill small green anoles. Another potential is the cuban tree frog which has been making a hike north and becoming the predominant species in many peoples yards totally eradicating the green tree frog. They will eat not only bugs but smaller reptiles, Not to mention their size alone makes them eat more and can even out eat the native species. The addition of non native species causes a food shortage for the natives. Just 10 years ago there were more green anoles around and it has been getting worse in the past 5 years. Most likely the only reliable places to find only native species is on islands in the intercoastal and some remote areas. Anywhere there are lot's of houses (subdivisions, city) you will see a marked redudction of green anoles. Of course finding a native species in a protected area is difficult, They are there just need more attentive observation since they will be on trees and usually high up blending with the native fauna.
Sampling in certain areas is not allowed but if you happen to have a screened in area. Transfering some green anoles to inside your screen room and keeping it free of the brown anoles, Will ensure the green anoles have a safe area to breed. Most screen rooms will be able to support at least a dozen lizards and keep it bug free. A few hide aways for when you are working or at leisure will give them places to hide (or they usually just climb higher then you can reach)
A box or two in a dry area in partial sun with spanish moss in them will allow them to lay their eggs and they will incubate nicely as long as they don't get too soaked! If you happen to think they are not getting enough food, Most will accept mealy worms. Some people actually feed them right from their hand, They show no fear and will line up for a free meal!
Green anoles will change to brown and can be hard to distinguish, But generally they have a whiter underside then the brown anole which can turn from brown to almost black.
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CGray says:
5 months ago
Thanks for the post. I love these little green lizzards (as we grew up calling them) as they bring back so many fond childhood memories. I am originally from S. GA, where the greens are still in abundance. However, I moved to C. FL in 92 and was introduced to the Cuban Brown. They are definitely predominent in our area. I too have witnessed fights between the two species, but interaction is rare, as the greens are so rare here. I have also seen variations of what appear to be cross-breads (between greens and browns). I know the greens can turn to a light brown, but have no additional markings (checks or diamonds or ridges) but I have seen some browns that have been predominately green with all of the tell-tell markings of a brown. I never captured any of these variations, but the more I think about it, I wish I had, so they could be properly classified and observed more closely. I'll keep watching. Thanks again for the post.