Newly-introduced fringe-toed lizard species found in Ventura County, California
A fringe-toed lizard (Acanthodactylus cf. boskianus) not native to California was discovered in Ventura County, California on October 14, 2023. This is the first documented occurrence of the species outside its home range (Kraus 2009; Kraus, pers. Comm.). While the source of its introduction is yet to be confirmed, it’s suspected that it has been introduced to Ventura County via the pet trade.
Since its discovery, the USGS has been working to understand the fringe-toed lizard’s distribution in Ventura County and how it might affect local plants and animals. Fringe-footed lizards are from highly xeric (dry, sandy) environments and could potentially thrive in Southern California’s coastal dunes and desert habitats. Unlike other non-native amphibians and reptiles in Southern California, such as the Coqui frog, Phelsuma geckos, and brown anoles, this species could spread widely and compete with native species for food and habitat.
Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) is as a coordinated set of actions to find and eradicate potentially invasive species in a specific location before they spread and cause harm. Most of the species introduced to southern California are already established and there is little opportunity to study EDRR directly. As the fringe-toed lizard is a novel introduced species, USGS biologists now can test and establish EDRR protocols for identifying and removing it from the landscape.
References
Kraus, F. (2009). Alien reptiles and amphibians: A scientific compendium and analysis (Vol. 4). Berlin, Germany: Springer. DOI:10.1007/978-1-4020-8946-6
Siren: The National Early Detection and Rapid Response Information System
A fringe-toed lizard (Acanthodactylus cf. boskianus) not native to California was discovered in Ventura County, California on October 14, 2023. This is the first documented occurrence of the species outside its home range (Kraus 2009; Kraus, pers. Comm.). While the source of its introduction is yet to be confirmed, it’s suspected that it has been introduced to Ventura County via the pet trade.
Since its discovery, the USGS has been working to understand the fringe-toed lizard’s distribution in Ventura County and how it might affect local plants and animals. Fringe-footed lizards are from highly xeric (dry, sandy) environments and could potentially thrive in Southern California’s coastal dunes and desert habitats. Unlike other non-native amphibians and reptiles in Southern California, such as the Coqui frog, Phelsuma geckos, and brown anoles, this species could spread widely and compete with native species for food and habitat.
Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) is as a coordinated set of actions to find and eradicate potentially invasive species in a specific location before they spread and cause harm. Most of the species introduced to southern California are already established and there is little opportunity to study EDRR directly. As the fringe-toed lizard is a novel introduced species, USGS biologists now can test and establish EDRR protocols for identifying and removing it from the landscape.
References
Kraus, F. (2009). Alien reptiles and amphibians: A scientific compendium and analysis (Vol. 4). Berlin, Germany: Springer. DOI:10.1007/978-1-4020-8946-6