arts
It's not an alligator or a crocodile. But this invasive predator is moving into their territory in South Florida
By Sergio Candido at CBS4 Miami
· June 16, 2026
· 5 min read
For decades, South Florida's waterways have been home to two native giants: alligators and crocodiles. But a third large reptile has quietly been moving in, and researchers say it's spreading into more corners of the Everglades.Invasive spectacled caimans are becoming increasingly widespread across
Key takeaway But a third large reptile has quietly been moving in, and researchers say it's spreading into more corners of the Everglades.
Why this matters in The Miami
The spread of invasive spectacled caimans into South Florida's natural habitats poses a significant threat to the region's delicate ecosystem. As these reptiles expand their territory, they may compete with native alligators and crocodiles for resources, potentially disrupting the balance of the Everglades. This is particularly concerning in areas like Miami-Dade County, where wetlands and natural habitats are already vulnerable to environmental stressors like sea-level rise and flooding. The fact that spectacled caimans can thrive in a variety of habitats, including those in western Miami-Dade and Broward, suggests that their impact could be felt across the region. As Everglades restoration efforts continue, it will be crucial to monitor the spread of spectacled caimans and assess their impact on native wildlife, to ensure that these efforts do not inadvertently create new opportunities for invasive species to take hold.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For decades, South Florida's waterways have been home to two native giants: alligators and crocodiles. But a third large reptile has quietly been moving in, and researchers say it's spreading into more corners of the Everglades.Invasive spectacled caimans are becoming increasingly widespread across
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sergio Candido at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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