A Brevard County man is facing 20 misdemeanor charges after officials discovered various restricted reptile species in his possession, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Daniel David Dinovi, a 45-year-old resident of Merritt Island, received a citation on March 14 after authorities launched an investigation based on a tip from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, according to a statement from the FWC.
Officers found that Dinovi had several non-regulated reptiles in his possession, including two Burmese pythons, one Nile monitor, and one black and white tegu, which are all prohibited species.
What is a Burmese python?
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Dig deeper: The Burmese python is one of the largest species of snakes and is native to a large area of Southeast Asia.
Burmese pythons have become a major issue in the Florida Everglades as they are considered an invasive species. These pythons pose a threat to the native wildlife, including endangered species in Florida, leading to disruptions in the natural food chain. The state has prohibited the ownership, import, or breeding of Burmese pythons, making it illegal to possess them, as stated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
What is a Nile monitor?
Delve further: Nile monitor lizards, originally from Africa, are a semi-aquatic species that have made their way to Florida, earning the classification of an invasive species. These large, carnivorous reptiles have a significant impact on the native wildlife in the Sunshine State. Unlike native species, Nile monitors are not legally protected in Florida, except under anti-cruelty laws.
The FWC states that it is permissible to humanely eliminate these lizards on private property with consent from the landowner. Moreover, they can be captured and euthanized on 32 FWC-managed lands in South Florida without the need for a permit or hunting license. Nevertheless, since the reptile is classified as a prohibited species in the state, it is against the law to possess, bring in, or reproduce them.
What is an Argentine black and white tegus?
Delve further: Argentine black and white tegus, which can grow up to five feet long, are an invasive species in Florida and pose a serious threat to native wildlife.
As with all nonnative reptiles in the state, tegus are not legally protected except under anti-cruelty laws. They can be humanely removed from private property with the landowner’s permission and may also be captured and euthanized year-round without a permit or hunting license on 32 sites managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in South Florida. However, since they are classified as a prohibited species, owning, importing, or breeding them is illegal in the state.
Animals relocated to licensed facilities
FWC officers, with the help of Brevard County Sheriff’s Office deputies, moved the banned species to authorized facilities. The unregulated reptiles were not disturbed, but Dinovi received citations for infractions concerning possession, enclosure, and inadequate cleanliness.
What they’re saying: “The FWC encourages responsible captive wildlife ownership,” said Maj. John Wilke, FWC Captive Wildlife Section leader. “Individuals who do not follow established guidelines create a misleading and damaging perception of reptile owners.”
If you witness any wildlife violations, the FWC encourages you to take action by using the FWC Wildlife Alert app, sending a text to 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” along with details of the violation, dialing the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922), or submitting a tip through the website at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
