Nonnatives - Jamaican Giant Anole

Jamaican Giant Anole - Anolis garmani

Florida's Exotic Wildlife. Species detail.

First year: 1975

Extirpated year:

Established status: Populations are confirmed breeding and apparently self-sustaining for 10 or more consecutive years.

Estimated Florida range: 2 counties  At least 10 years, 2 counties  Less than 10 years

Statewide trend: Unknown status

Threats to natives: Possible competitor of the green anole (Anolis carolinensis), but it is apparently not predacious on smaller lizards, despite its large size (Bartlett 1995a).

Species Account: This anole from Jamaica probably escaped from pet dealers and has established colonies in Lee and Dade counties. Males may exceed 30.5 cm (12 in) in length, 2/3 of which is a tail. They are often bright green in color but may turn brown. A low crest of enlarged serrate scales extends from the neck to the first 1/3 of the tail. Males have a large yellow dewlap with an orangish center, and females have a smaller, darker dewlap. During cooler weather, this species resides in the canopy, but in summer it can be found, often hanging head down, on the trunks of shade trees 1-2 m above the ground. It feeds on insects, fruits, and petals (Bartlett 1995a, Bartlett and Bartlett 1999).

Habitats: Low density suburban development, areas peripheral to core urban areas, and small towns, Rockland Hammock

References

Bartlett, D. 1995a. The anoles of the United States. Reptiles 2(5):48-62, 64-65.

Bartlett, R. D., and P. P. Bartlett. 1999. A field guide to Florida reptiles and amphibians. Gulf Publishing Company, Houston, Texas. 278pp.

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