Updates On 24th Mar 2015

THE INTRODUCED, THE NATIVE AND THE ILLEGAL

For this week, let�s look at 3 species of lizard that can be found at ACRES- either being cared for at the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre or living free. These 3 lizards are significant in certain ways.

We often get asked what is wrong with keeping an exotic animal as a pet. One big problem is the fact that animals that have been kept as pets (legally or illegally) often get abandoned and left to fend for themselves. Whilst many of these animals will not survive, sometimes these animals do adapt and cause major problems for Singapore�s natural ecosystems and affect our native wildlife by disrupting the food web.

Let us look at these 3 lizards from the left:

Changeable lizard (Calotes versicolor)

These lizards are very common all over Singapore. You will definitely see them in parks and gardens. They are also found at our premises. However, they are an introduced species of lizard. They are believed to have been introduced here in the 1980s and have since adapted well.

Green crested lizard (Bronchocela cristatella)

The Green crested lizard has become a rare sight in Singapore. They are native to Singapore, but their population has dwindled due to the emergence of the changeable lizard. However, we do spot them from time to time at ACRES, but unfortunately the sightings have decreased over the years.

Green iguana (Iguana Iguana)

Native to South America, the green iguana is a popular pet, being traded both illegally and legally. Unfortunately, many of these beautiful lizards are kept as pets and abandoned in Singapore- even though it is illegal to buy, sell or keep them here. Many die after collisions with vehicles, and others die due to illnesses developed prior to being abandoned. Here are two of our young female Iguanas posing for the camera. If the illegal trade continues here and people continue to buy and abandon them, the green iguana might also one day cause major issues for our native ecosystems and displace other species of animal.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/photos/a.223077136522.136..

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ACRES

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

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