Exotic Lizards
To protect the Island's wildlife populations from increasing numbers of Nile monitor lizards (Varanus niloticus) and green iguanas (Iguana iguana), the City of Sanibel convened a group local experts, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and City staff, to develop an invasive lizard management program for Sanibel. The group presented their recommendations to City Council and an Exotic Lizard Management Program was approved in August 2007.
Citizens are requested to report lizard sightings 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to the Sanibel Police Department at their non-emergency number (239) 472-3111. Unless there is an imminent threat to human safety, DO NOT CALL 9-1-1.
Verified sightings will be mapped in order to focus management activities and track population trends.