Nile monitors continue to invade Cape Coral neighborhoods

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Nile monitors, invasive lizards from Sub-Saharan Africa, have been known to be in the canals in Cape Coral.

Jack Schwartz, a resident of Cape Coral, said, "There are a lot of invasive monitors, especially in our neighborhood."

Alane Passero, another resident, shared her experience, saying, "They're very invasive. My friends have had several holes dug all around their property, killed plants, and they're annoying more than anything else."

Neighbors have reported seeing Nile monitors up to six feet long in their backyards and even inside their homes.

Passero recounted a startling encounter, saying, "Corner of my eye, I see this huge monster running in my house straight to the back door. The nails are clacking on the floor. I'm screaming my head off."

These invasive species are one of the high-priority nonnative species for removal according to the FWC. In April 2021, they were added to Florida's prohibited species list.

Despite their presence, some residents remain unaware of the Nile monitors due to their secretive and timid nature.

Ali Mulla, a research assistant and spatial ecologist at Archbold Biological Station, said, "I think part of our aspects of the urbanization is what has helped them, but then other parts of urbanization, like actually building houses, is what's limiting them."

Mulla, who has researched Nile monitors in Cape Coral for two years, noted that they pose a threat to the ecosystem by eating other animals and their eggs. They are also known to burrow, which can damage property.

Schwartz emphasized the need to focus on the Nile monitors, saying, "It's a terrible thing to have around here. And I really think that's what we should be focusing on, and not so much the iguanas."

Mulla mentioned that the species is understudied, making it difficult to assess its overall impact. Residents who spot a Nile monitor are encouraged to contact the city of Cape Coral Resources Division.

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