Night of the LIZARDS!

TL;DR

Coyote Peterson catches an invasive veiled chameleon in South Florida as part of his mission to highlight the impact of invasive reptiles on the local ecosystem.

Transcript

• [Coyote] Right there, look at that, chameleon. Once again, I'm going up into a tree after a lizard and I gotta move quick. Oh, so close! (tribal music) The vast wilderness of South Florida and its warm humid temperatures are an ideal habitat for a plethora of reptile species. Native inhabitants such as the American alligator are perfectly designe... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤑 South Florida is a habitat for a wide variety of reptile species, including invasive ones like the Burmese python and tegu lizard.
• 🇸🇦 The veiled chameleon is an invasive species from Saudi Arabia and Yemen that has established a breeding population in South Florida.
• 😋 Invasive reptiles disrupt the local ecosystem by preying on native species and causing an imbalance in the food chain.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why are invasive reptiles a problem in South Florida?

Invasive reptiles disrupt the natural food chain in South Florida, preying on native species and causing an ecological imbalance.

Q: How did the veiled chameleon end up in South Florida?

The veiled chameleon is an invasive species that was likely introduced into South Florida through the pet trade.

Q: What techniques does Coyote use to catch the veiled chameleon?

Coyote uses a bamboo pole with a squishy device attached to it to tickle the chameleon out of the tree. He also uses a flashlight to spot the lizard in the dark.

Q: What makes the veiled chameleon an interesting species?

The veiled chameleon is known for its ability to change color, its casque on top of its head, and its spurs on its rear feet. Males also have a prehensile tail and distinctive spikes on their chin.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Coyote Peterson explores South Florida, where invasive reptiles like Burmese pythons and tegu lizards are causing an imbalance in the local food chain.

• In an orchard in Homestead, Florida, Coyote uses a bamboo pole and a flashlight to catch a veiled chameleon hiding in a tree.

• The veiled chameleon is an invasive species from Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and Coyote plans to donate it to an educational facility.