The Florida heat and humidity paired with a diversity of habitats provide the perfect environment for reptiles. Here in Florida, there is a large diversity of reptile species that are seen throughout the state. These include the iguanas you see roaming around your neighborhood, the sea turtles that make their nests on the beaches, the snakes that slither across the road, and the alligators that live in the Everglades. The native reptile species you see around (which does not include iguanas) play important roles in the ecosystem that are important for the survival of these areas. While the list above are well-known reptiles, there are many others that are not as easily recognized or talked about. Below is information about some of the lesser-known or protected reptile species that are native in Florida.
Gopher Tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus
The gopher tortoise is a threatened species here in Florida mainly due to habitat loss. Suburban development has fragmented and paved over the land that these animals use to make their burrows which results in less areas for the tortoises to live and reproduce. The gopher tortoise is a keystone species due to the important role it plays in its environment. The burrows that are created by gopher tortoises house not only themselves, but other animals as well. Over 350 species rely on these burrows which include species of snakes, owls, rodents and mammals. As the gopher tortoises’ populations decrease, so do many of the animals that rely on them for survival.
Eastern Indigo Snake, Drymarchon couperi
The eastern indigo snake is another threatened species here in Florida. This is also due to habitat loss and habitat fragmentation (the breaking up of habitat) resulting from suburban sprawl. Adult eastern indigo snakes can travel for a span of three miles during warmer seasons to hunt. Therefore large, intact landscapes are essential for their survival. Developments like roads cause issues for these snakes due to their need to travel and hunt. More people mean more cars and vehicle collisions have become a major concern for them now. Here in Florida these snakes tend to inhabit pine flatwoods, hardwood forests, moist hammocks, and areas that surround cypress swamps and can be found throughout Florida and Georgia.
Green Anole, Anolis carolinensis
The Green anole is the only native anole species here in Florida. Although we see many other anole species throughout out Florida, they have all been introduced into the environment in different ways. These anoles can be found living in suburban areas with little trouble, but their preferred habitats are large, open areas to help them hunt. The green anole has a wide distribution area and is not considered threatened, but the competition with non-native species may limit resources for our native species.