Image of a wanted sign.
 


LEGENDARY VILLIANS

Enemies for Life
[predators]

Wanted, Dead or Alive
[preferably dead, but good luck…]

Pearly-Eyed Pete
Cuckoo Kurt
Red-tailed Rick
Egregious Eric
Kit Kat
Soft Al
Wayne the Whip
Red Leg Rush

Public enemy number one for anoles is the bird. Virtually any type of bird spells potential disaster. Birds cruising along can spot the flicking tail or bobbing head of an anole lizard, swoop down, snatch the poor creature from his family and friends, sail with it through the forest to some faraway site, and enjoy a tasty meal. In the lowland area where they are abundant, egrets are strong predators of anoles, which they hunt down, eat, and even serve to their young. In the mountains the major anole stalkers include the pearly-eyed thrasher, Puerto Rican lizard cuckoo, red-legged thrush, and red-tailed and broad-winged hawks.

Unfortunately, birds are not alone in hunting down anoles. The occasional mongoose or cat that makes its way into El Yunque considers anoles a tasty repast. Alsophis portoricensis, a distant relative of the garter snake, is a major predator along with the Puerto Rican boa. Tailless whip scorpions, tarantulas, centipedes, even large anoles have also been found preying on the young anole population, may they rest in peace.

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