UNIVERSITY LEADER (FHSU, Hays, Kansas) 25 April 06 Italian Invasion - Non-native lizard species found on campus (Chad Whitney)
Alien Lizards Taking Over Campus?
This may seem like the title to a science fiction novel, but it has become a startling reality on our campus in recent history. Those walking among the flower beds and herb gardens throughout the Quad may wonder what causes that little rustling sound that catches their attention on warm sunny days during the spring, summer and fall. That sound is made by a small reptile known as the Italian Wall Lizard (Podarcis sicula), which has been established in Hays since 1998. This creature has been the cause of much speculation throughout the world of Kansas biology, mostly because it has thrived in several of our urban communities and its range in the state continues to grow.
Travis W. Taggart, associate curator of herpetology, Sternberg Museum of Natural History Adjunct Faculty, Department of Biological Sciences, has noted populations of Podarcis in three Kansas counties: Ellis, Douglas and Shawnee. “It is widely believed that Quivira Specialties (a biological supply company) was the source of the Italian Wall Lizard in Kansas,” said Taggart concerning the origins of this non-native species in our state.
Some may wonder what negative impact, if any, this animal may have on our local wildlife communities. “So far there is no indication that these lizards negatively impact any other local wildlife. Additionally, it would seem odd to single out these lizards … The city is adorned with a wide variety of exotic grasses, shrubs and trees … Even our state insect is a native to Africa.”
Activity periods for this fast-moving member of the Lacertid family generally range from spring through fall, but are not entirely restricted to these seasons. Given a warm enough winter day, these lizards may be seen thermoregulating on the sidewalks or stone barriers that border the gardens of the Quad.
The lizards may have started out in Topeka, but many have wondered how it is that they have migrated to towns like Hays and Lawrence. There are several theories on the cause of their spreading, but these are only conjecture. Some current theories include the idea that someone may have intentionally released them, or some may have been stowaways, but it could be reduced to something as innocent as a child releasing a pet. Regardless of these ideas, the lizards are doing fine on our campus despite an array of possible predators including the highly invasive domestic feline. Podarcis sicula provide little to no competition with our native lizards, due primarily to the fact that most of Ellis County’s native lizards have been extirpated from within the city limits of Hays. Wade Christian had this to say about the lizards on campus: “I like the lizards. I think that they are cool and exotic. They make me feel like I am walking through a jungle. The cats are what’s overpopulated on campus.”
The Italian Wall Lizard is the only one of two introduced Lacertids in the state of Kansas. The Green Lacerta (Lacerta bilineata) was also established in Topeka and stems from the same origins as Podarcis. Despite the fact that this lizard has been documented in Topeka on numerous occasions, it is much less common to see than its cousin and there is little evidence to show that it is expanding its range out of the Topeka city limits. Although this species is not native to the city of Hays’ fauna, some folks who enjoy the sight of wildlife on campus may consider it to be a welcome addition to the list of wildlife that can be seen on campus. Those seeking more information can find a detailed account of this as well as all other species of reptiles at http://webcat.fhsu.edu/ksfauna/herps/index.asp.
Non-native lizard species found on campus