NParks monitoring whether brown anole, greenhouse frog pose risk

There is no evidence of significant impact on local ecosystems so far, expert says

- Chin Hui Shan

In many areas across Singapore, one may find small, slender lizards — sometimes displaying a yellow or reddish orange flap under their throats — if one looks intently enough.

These lizards, which can be found on the ground or trees, are called brown anoles (Anolis sagrei), and they have been spotted at an increasing frequency across the island.

The catch is: They are not supposed to be here.

The brown anole is found naturally in the Bahamas, Cuba and the Swan Islands.

It is one of two introduced species — the other being the greenhouse frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris) — that have been seen here more often, and in more places.

The greenhouse frog is native to the Bahamas, Cuba and the Cayman Islands.

In March, two brown anoles were spotted on the balcony of a residential unit in Sembawang.

Introduced species are plants or animals that are not naturally found in Singapore.

They can be considered invasive when their presence causes harmful impacts on the local environment. This could happen if, for instance, they outcompete native species due to a lack of natural predators, high reproductive rates and adaptability to different environmental conditions.

The National Parks Board (NParks) told The Straits Times that it is aware of the presence of the brown anole and greenhouse frog in Singapore, and that it is monitoring the situation.