Florida has a new tool in its fight against invasive wildlife. University of Florida researchers are testing AI traps Argentine tegu, an aggressive lizard species that has spread across the state since the early 2000s.
These smart traps use artificial intelligence to identify tegus and close the door only when one is inside, helping protect native wildlife without harming other species.
Features: How the AI Traps Work
The Argentine black and white tegu is not native to Florida. Originally introduced through the pet trade, these lizards now roam freely in several counties.
They can grow up to five feet long, eat eggs of ground-nesting birds, and compete with native reptiles.
The University of Florida’s new system combines traditional cage traps with artificial intelligence. A camera scans the trap’s interior, and if the AI recognizes the distinct shape and movement of a tegu, the trap door closes. This reduces the risk of accidentally capturing non-target species like raccoons, armadillos, or native lizards.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) supports the project, saying that smarter traps could help scale up removal efforts. With tegus spreading quickly, officials see AI as a necessary step forward.
Release Date Rumors: When Will AI Traps Be Widely Used?
Right now, the AI traps Argentine tegus are in testing phases in controlled environments. If results are positive, wildlife managers expect to deploy them more broadly across Florida within the next two years.
Some reports suggest the traps could even be adapted for use in Georgia, where tegus have recently been spotted.
Wildlife researchers are racing to prevent the species from establishing permanent populations. If the Florida program succeeds, Georgia may follow with its own AI trapping program.
Expert Opinions: Why Tegus Are a Problem
Experts warn that tegus pose a serious ecological threat. According to the National Park Service, tegus prey on the eggs of endangered animals like American crocodiles and gopher tortoises.
They are hardy and adaptable, able to survive cold snaps that keep other invasive reptiles at bay.
University of Florida scientists believe AI could make removal campaigns more efficient. Instead of checking dozens of traps every day, wildlife workers could monitor traps remotely, saving time and resources.
Some biologists say this kind of technology could become standard for invasive species management in the future, whether targeting tegus, Burmese pythons, or even invasive mammals.
Social Buzz: What People Are Saying
On social media, Floridians have mixed feelings about the new traps. Some users praise the idea, saying it’s about time Florida used “smarter” methods to fight invasive reptiles.
Others worry about costs, asking if taxpayer money should fund advanced AI systems for trapping lizards.
Wildlife groups have been vocal in support. Posts on local conservation forums highlight how the AI traps Argentine tegus could reduce unintended harm to native wildlife.
Animal welfare advocates note that these traps are more humane, since they avoid catching non-target species that might otherwise be stressed or injured in traditional cages.
Meanwhile, hobbyist reptile owners and exotic pet enthusiasts argue that prevention should start with stricter rules on the pet trade, so species like tegus never escape into the wild in the first place.
In fact, Florida has already banned ownership of Argentine tegus without a special permit, but enforcement remains difficult.
Final Thoughts: A High-Tech Answer to a Growing Threat
The arrival of AI traps Argentine tegus reflects a broader trend of using technology to solve environmental challenges.
The lizards are tough to eradicate, but smart traps could help wildlife managers get ahead of the invasion before populations spread further north.
While the project is still in its early stages, experts remain cautiously optimistic. If successful, Florida’s approach could serve as a model for other states battling invasive species.
The story of the Argentine tegu shows how even small introductions of exotic animals can spiral into big ecological problems. With AI now in the fight, Florida might finally have the upper hand.
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Abdul Basit is a US-based tech writer who covers Apple innovations, Tesla’s EV growth, AI breakthroughs, smartphone trends, and app reviews for global readers.