Georgia Officials Urge Residents to Kill Invasive Tegu Lizards, a Serious Threat to Ecosystems

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently issued an urgent public advisory.

Residents are asked to report and, if possible, kill any Argentine black-and-white tegu lizards (Salvator merianae) found in the state.

This advisory was issued by Daniel Sollenberger, a senior wildlife biologist with the Georgia DNR's Division of Wildlife Resources, by early June 2026.

This extreme measure was taken because the Argentine tegu is an invasive species that poses a significant threat to Georgia's native wildlife.

These lizards are known to prey on ground-nesting bird eggs and other reptile eggs, and can spread disease.

Tegus have been detected in 30 Georgia counties, with the highest concentration in the southeastern counties, particularly Tattnall and Toombs.

Since 2018, at least 30 tegus have been captured or killed in Tattnall and Toombs counties alone, indicating an alarming rate of spread.

Illegal releases by exotic pet owners are believed to be the primary cause of this species' invasion into Georgia's wildlife.

The Argentine black-and-white tegu is a large lizard native to South America, capable of growing up to 1.2 meters long and weighing 4.5 kilograms or more.

Its large size and opportunistic feeding make it a dangerous predator to local ecosystems.

It preys on a wide variety of foods, including the eggs of ground-nesting quail and turkeys.

In addition, tegus also prey on the eggs of other reptiles such as the American alligator and the endangered gopher tortoise.

Their diet is highly diverse, including chicken eggs, fruits, vegetables, plants, pet food, carrion, and small live animals ranging from grasshoppers to young gopher tortoises.

The presence of tegus disrupts the natural food chain and ecological balance in Georgia.

In addition to the threat of predation, tegus also raise concerns about the spread of disease.

There are indications that these lizards may carry exotic parasites that could potentially infect Georgia's native wildlife.

Research also shows that tegus, like most reptiles, can carry salmonella bacteria, which can contaminate crops and pose a health risk to humans and animals.

Another factor accelerating the spread of tegus is their high reproductive rate.

A female tegu can produce approximately 35 eggs annually.

These eggs typically hatch during the summer, between June and July, rapidly increasing the population.

The lack of natural predators in Georgia allows tegus to thrive without significant hindrance.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) strongly encourages the public to take an active role in tegu control efforts.

Reports can be made by emailing gainvasives@dnr.ga.gov or by calling (478) 994-1438.

If residents are unable to kill a tegu, they are encouraged to document the incident with photographs and report it to the DNR.

Tegus in the wild in Georgia are not protected by state wildlife laws or regulations because they are a non-native species.

Therefore, they can be legally captured or killed year-round on private property with the landowner's permission, while adhering to local regulations and safety precautions.

On DNR Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), tegus can be killed using firearms, which are legal for the current hunting season.

Although tegus are not known to be aggressive or dangerous to humans, the DNR still warns residents against direct contact with these reptiles due to their potential to carry exotic parasites and dangerous bacteria such as salmonella.

As a precaution, residents in affected areas, particularly Tattnall and Toombs, are advised to store pet food indoors, fill holes that could harbor tegus, and clear yards of debris that could provide cover.