Introduction
A teju was filmed eating a turtle hatchling on Leão Beach, in Fernando de Noronha. The images were recorded by researcher Arthur Thomazi Moreira in camera traps installed by the Tamar Center and the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) to monitor turtle nests.
The Teju: An Opportunistic Predator
The teju is considered an opportunistic predator with a high adaptability capacity. It is the largest lizard in the Americas and can be found throughout Brazil. Despite being included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) due to predatory hunting, it is a significant threat to biodiversity.
Threat to Turtles
The green turtle, which has the scientific name Chelonia mydas, is the only species that breeds in Fernando de Noronha. The teju is a significant threat to these turtles, as it feeds on their hatchlings. According to oceanographer Tunan Tomé, interactions between teju and turtle nests are recorded daily.
Control of Teju Population
Currently, the control of the teju population in Fernando de Noronha is carried out by the Program for the Management of Exotic and Invasive Species of the ICMBio. This animal represents a threat to native or endemic species, including endangered species.
Conclusion
The predation of turtle nests by teju is a significant problem in Fernando de Noronha. It is essential that partnerships are made to support the management of invasive species. This work has a high cost, and the ICMBio needs funding for the acquisition of camera traps and specialized personnel to expand actions in this area.
Source / Reference
Source: G1 Natureza