An early detection rapid response case study of the Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) and implications for a broader framework
Management of Biological Invasions
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Abstract
Documentation of successful early detection rapid response (EDRR) efforts is lacking from the scientific literature but is needed to inform invasive species response protocols. The Black and White tegu (Salvator merianae) has become established in several Florida counties and its spread is of significant conservation concern. It is of high priority for state and federal managers to prevent the spread into sensitive ecosystems, including the Greater Everglades. Thus, coordinated EDRR efforts are essential given limited infrastructure and funding for such tasks. While tegus have been observed along the eastern boundary of Everglades National Park, there has been no evidence tegus are established within Big Cypress National Preserve. On 8 August 2024 an individual tegu was sighted by a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) biologist in Big Cypress National Preserve who alerted National Park Service (NPS) staff and mobilized a response. Live traps were placed at the location of sighting within 24 hours and an individual tegu was captured on 13 August 2024. The individual tegu was determined to be the same individual that was observed five days early based on color, pattern, and other physical characteristics. No additional tegus were captured. The rapid, coordinated response of NPS and USGS likely contributed to this successful EDRR event, and highlights the need for more expansive EDRR frameworks at multiple jurisdictional scales.
Suggested Citation
Sandfoss, M.R., Kissel, A.M., McBride, L.M., Metcalf, M., Sherburne, S., Mangione, T., McCollister, M., Yackel Adams, A.A., 2025, An early detection rapid response case study of the Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) and implications for a broader framework: Management of Biological Invasions, v. 16, no. 2, p. 581-591, https://doi.org/10.3391/mbi.2025.16.2.15.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | An early detection rapid response case study of the Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) and implications for a broader framework |
| Series title | Management of Biological Invasions |
| DOI | 10.3391/mbi.2025.16.2.15 |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | The Regional Euro-Asian Biological Invasions Centre (REABIC) |
| Contributing office(s) | Fort Collins Science Center |
| Description | 11 p. |
| First page | 581 |
| Last page | 591 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| Other Geospatial | south Florida |