I have to disagree.The anole analogy that was given is not true.The reason for the success of the brown anole is due DIRECTLY to it`s far greater adaptability to various habits in particular it`s more terrestrial nature and ability to survive in areas that are depleted or nearly totally defoliated .The brown anoles don`t displace the greens in fact in places where I was able to observe both species living literally side by side the incidence of aggressive interactions between the two species was virtually non existent. It was clear that there was room for both species to co-exist as long as the habitat provided suitable conditions for both.The one thing that did cause species displacement was when the habit was disturbed and altered the removal of shrubs , weed whacking the reduction of foliage is what caused the demise of the green anoles .Not the competition. Brown anoles are far more durable then greens and thrive under conditions that quickly kill off the greens.

South West Florida and the great Nile monitor invasion. I live in the heart of the invasion and in the past five years I have seen two. I`ve heard plenty of story`s about residents who are terrified about the giant lizards but haven`t met any of these people. The people that live along the canals that the nile`s inhabit are accustomed to seeing large alligators and are aware of animals such as diamond backs,coral snakes.......... etc. in the area so the presents of a lizard isn`t exactly a horrific thought to say the least and their presents certainly won`t be the down fall of the native species that inhabit these areas.It`s amazing how the press ,biologist and the like try to create horror story`s. The press likes a good story and I guess biologist need a reason to justify their jobs even if there isn`t one but the truth is nobody is in a panic over the giant lizard invasion. Especially when so few are actually seen.

On that note I read an article where a biologist was given 50k to come an eradicate the giant lizards.What a joke .If anyone wants to rant about the problems caused by irresponsible pet owners the place to start is with DOG owners. The number of loose dogs running around South Florida is a far greater problem then monitor invasion is now or will ever be. Florida may be inhabited by many introduced species but from what I`ve observed few of them pose a threat to native wildlife and many would have probably never survived had they been introduced into an unchanged Florida but as it stands their just another part in the mix of an already radically altered environment. Thats` my take on it. Ernie Eison

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