Exotic Animals in Biscayne National Park

NPS

Green iguanas are frequently seen along mangrove shorelines.

What are exotic species?

Exotic species are those species that exist outside of their natural range. Exotic species may also be called non-native, alien, introduced, and non-indigenous. Human actions are often responsible for the introduction of non-native species, such as through the intentional or unintentional release of pets or by intentionally releasing non-native species for pest control. While some non-native species remain in low numbers and are not considered particularly problematic, other species can proliferate in the new environment, become invasive, and have serious ecological consequences. In some cases, such as with the lionfish and Burmese python, exotic species can even pose as threats to human safety. 

Exotic species fare well in their introduced environment because they can successfully compete against the native species and they often lack natural predators to keep their numbers in check. Because of its warm climate, South Florida is an inviting place for exotic species to become established, and many non-native species can be seen in Biscayne National Park. Whenever possible, park managers attempt to control the distribution and spread of these species.

How can I help? 

The most important thing each of us can to protect our fragile South Florida ecosystems from exotic species is to act responsibly. Never release an exotic plant or animal into the wild, even if you think it is harmless. Many non-native species can be eradicated or controlled if their introduction is caught early enough, so report sightings of exotic species to proper authorities. If you would like to report a sighting of a new exotic species from Biscayne National Park, click here. Please provide as much information as possible (such as the date, specific location, number, size, and behavior of animals, etc).  Photographs documenting your observation are encouraged.

Which exotic animals occur in Biscayne National Park?

The table below includes some of the exotic species known to occur within or nearby Biscayne National Park. 

Type	Scientific Name	Common Name	Frequency
Amphibian	Bufo marinus	Giant toad, cane toad	Abundant
Amphibian	Eleutherodactylus planirostris planirostris	Greenhouse frog	Common
Amphibian	Osteopilus septentrionalis	Cuban tree frog	Common
Bird	Sturnus vulgaris	European starling	Common
Bird	Acridotheres tristis	Common myna	Occasional
Fish	Pterois volitans/miles	Lionfish (red lionfish, striped lionfish)	Common, and increasing in occurrence. Visit our lionfish page
Fish	Astronotus ocellatus	oscar	Common in canals
Fish	Cichlasoma urophthalamus	Mayan cichlid	Common in canals
Insect	Solenopsis spp.	Imported red fireant	Common
Insect	Cactoblastis cactorum	Prickly pear moth, cactus moth	Rare
Mammal	Sciurus aureogaster	Mexican red-bellied squirrel	Rare
Mammal	Felis domesticus	Feral cat	Occasional
Mammal	Rattus rattus	Black rat	Common
Reptile	Basiliscus vittatus	Brown basilisk lizard ('Jesus lizard')	Common
Reptile	Iguana iguana	Green iguana	Common
Reptile	Anolis sagrei	Cuban brown anole	Common to abundant
Reptile	Hemidactylus mabouia	Tropical house gecko	Occasional to common
Reptile	Hemidactylus garnotti	Indo-Pacific gecko	Occasional to common
Reptile	Ramphotyphlops braminus	Brahminy blindsnake	Occasional
Reptile	Python molurus bivittatus	Burmese python	Rare; Visit the Everglades python page
Reptile	Hemidactylus turcicus	Mediterranean gecko	Occasional
Reptile	Varanus spp	Monitor lizard	Observed near park's mainland boundary
Reptile	Tupinambis merianae	Black and white tegu lizard	Observed near park's mainland boundary

Additional sources of information on exotic species:

Biscayne National Park Exotic Plants page

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Nonnative Species

USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area

Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council

USDA National Invasive Species Information Center