Invasive lizard is a concern for wildlife community

A wild and free-ranging non-native black and white tegus lizard has, so far, been documented by 13 sightings since last summer in South Carolina, and the state DNR is concerned.  More than one-half of the sightings have been in the Columbia area, but the animal has also been seen in Pickens and Greenville counties.  Because of the potential negative impacts to native ground-nesting birds such as turkey and quail, the tegus and their hybrids were added to the list of “Restricted Non-native Wildlife”. The regulations prohibit tegus and their hybrids from being brought into South Carolina or re-produced here, and require current owners to register them with DNR by September 25. The state wildlife agency says it appreciates the continued willingness of South Carolinians to provide info to protect wildlife and prevent the establishment of non-native species.  DNR vows to investigate all sightings made known to it.