Green anole (IMAGE)
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The UTA team also studied the green anole, a lizard native to Texas and Oklahoma and commonly found across the southeastern United States. Possibly introduced from Hawaii, the green anole has become widespread on the Marshall Islands’ main island. Researchers found evidence that it may be eliminating the emerald tree skink, a native lizard species.
“The lack of skinks suggests that imported anoles may be outcompeting native species, which could have ripple effects on the islands’ ecosystems,” UTA’s Dr. Matthew Fujita said. “Although these frogs and lizards may seem harmless, they can cause major ecological disruptions by displacing native species, altering food webs and potentially spreading diseases—to both animals and humans.”
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