When was this published?

This article was first published on July 24, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Sergio Candido at CBS4 Miami.

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Messi may be Miami's most famous Argentine. Florida wildlife officials are far more worried about this other one.

Summary by The Miami Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Sergio Candido, CBS4 Miami · July 24, 2026 · 4 min read

Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi has captivated South Florida with his brilliance on the pitch at Inter Miami. But there's another Argentine drawing attention across the region: a giant invasive lizard that Florida wildlife officials are working to stop.The Argentine black and white tegu, a lizard

Why this matters in The Miami

The presence of Argentine black and white tegus in Miami-Dade County has significant implications for the local ecosystem. With over 8,000 reported sightings, the county is ground zero for the invasive species' impact on native wildlife. The tegus' appetite for eggs, young animals, and endangered species threatens the delicate balance of the area's unique wildlife, including the American alligator, American crocodile, and sea turtle populations. Miami-Dade's geography, with its mix of urban and natural areas, creates an ideal environment for the tegus to thrive. The county's canal system and waterways also provide a network for the lizards to spread and establish new breeding populations. As the tegu population continues to grow, it is likely to exacerbate the existing challenges of sea-level rise and flooding in the area, which can already disrupt native habitats and wildlife.

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: food · Published: July 24, 2026 · Source: CBS4 Miami · Reading time: 4 min

Summary created by	The Miami Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Sergio Candido, CBS4 Miami
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 24, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Messi may be Miami's most famous Argentine. Florida wildlife officials are far more worried about this other one.

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