New regulations began Friday, May 28 making it illegal for Black and White Tegus and their hybrids to be reproduced or brought into South Carolina.

This new legislation also requires current owners to register, and microchip their Black and White Tegus, with SCDNR by Sept. 25. After this date, no unregistered Black and White Tegu may be possessed and no Tegu may be bought, sold, or transferred.

The Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator meriane) is a predatory omnivorous lizard that occurs widely in South America in a variety of habitats and climates. This species has gained popularity in the pet trade.

This species has been introduced and established in multiple areas outside of its native range, including Florida and Georgia, and has recently been documented in numerous counties in South Carolina. The invasive potential of this species has been recognized. Florida and Alabama have enacted restrictions for this and other Tegu species. Be cause SC provides the species a suitable habitat and climate, Black and White Tegus, and their hybrids, have been added to the list of Restricted nonnative Wildlife.

For more information about the registration process and specific information regarding the new regulations, go to https://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/herps/tegu.html .