New Verified Nonindigenous Amphibians and Reptiles in Florida through 2015, with a Summary of More Than 152 Years of Introductions

Authors

Kenneth L. Krysko, University of FloridaFollow
Louis A. Somma, United States Food and Drug Administration, CSFollow
Dustin C. Smith, North Carolina Zoological ParkFollow
Christopher R. Gillette, Florida International UniversityFollow
Daniel Cueva, Florida International UniversityFollow
Joseph A. Wasilewski, Natural Selections, Homestead, FLFollow
Kevin M. Enge, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommissionFollow
Steve A. Johnson, University of FloridaFollow
Todd S. Campbell, University of Tampa
Jake R. Edwards, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommissionFollow
Michael R. Rochford, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education CenterFollow
Ryan Tompkins, United States Fish and Wildlife ServiceFollow
Jeffrey L. Fobb, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Venom Response TeamFollow
Scott Mullin, Miami-Dade Fire RescueFollow
Christopher J. Lechowicz, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation FoundationFollow
Dallas Hazelton, Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open SpacesFollow
Alície Warren, Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open SpacesFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2016

Citation

Reptiles and Amphibians (2016) 23(2): 110-143

Comments

United States government work

Abstract

More nonindigenous species occur in Florida, USA, than any other region worldwide and may threaten many of Florida’s natural resources. The frequency of new reports mandates the need for regular updates. Herein, we use photographic and specimen vouchers in addition to literature records to provide updated information on verified nonindigenous amphibians and reptiles in Florida. Between our most recent summary in 2012 and the end of 2015, 38 additional species are known to have been intercepted (n = 2) or introduced (n = 36). We also update the invasion stage of seven species previously reported from Florida and report that five additional taxa are now established. In total, 191 independent known introductions of 180 herpetofaunal taxa led to the establishment of 63 taxa. This suggests that one in three introduced herpetofaunal species becomes established in Florida. The pet trade represents the most common introduction pathway among these species and a single animal importer in Hollywood, Broward County, is the probable source for introduction of a quarter of all herpetofauna introduced to Florida.