Tegu

Is artificial intelligence a viable tool in the fight against invasive species?UF/IFAS scientists are exploring that question on a small scale in a project using traps equipped with AI technology. For this study, the traps are targeting Argentine black and white tegus in Fort Pierce.Scientists hope these AI ‘smart traps’ will help suppress and remove an established population of these lizards that have quickly invaded this Treasure Coast city. St. Lucie county has become a hot spot for tegus over the last seven years.

Florida has a growing invasive species population of a reptile that was formally considered a docile pet and is now prohibited by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.