Updated distribution of the brown anole in continental Ecuador: a case of urban spaces favoring the establishment of an opportunistic exotic species

Abstract

The current study presents an up-to-date distribution denotating the expansion of the brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei), an invasive species, in continental Ecuador. The brown anole represents a significant threat to biodiversity through displacement of native species, facilitated by its adaptability and dominance. Our sampling effort covering from 2018 to 2022 and iNaturalist reports between 2015 and 2023, to take into consideration citizens observations, revealed an expanded distribution across provinces along the Ecuadorian coast and one in the Amazon region. Notably, the brown anole’s presence in urban areas of Guayas province, including Samborondon and Guayaquil, raises concerns about potential impacts on local ecosystems. The lizard’s adaptability is evident in its ability to thrive in various habitats, including urban parks, gardens, and natural areas along riverbanks. Despite extensive surveys, no brown anoles were found in natural forests in the mainland, so until today no potential impacts on native species are expected; except for a reserve in a continental island where two brown anoles were already sighted. The study emphasizes the need for effective management responses, including identification, understanding expansion processes, and anticipating ecological impacts. Our study provides the baseline for the environmental authority to identify the areas were controlling the brown anole’s spread if fundamental, particularly in priority conservation areas.