Invasive Brown Anole Lizard Establishes in Rishon Lezion, Israel Launches Citizen Science Monitoring

Since the first sighting of the invasive brown anole lizard in Rishon Lezion in 2021, researchers have confirmed its establishment in the Neve Hallel neighborhood and surrounding streets. This species, identifiable by its yellow throat folds, poses a threat to Israel's local ecosystems by potentially competing with native species for food and habitat.

In response, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, and the Israeli Citizen Science Center have launched a citizen science initiative inviting residents of Rishon Lezion and nearby areas to help map the lizard's spread. Using the iNaturalist app, participants can upload photos of suspected brown anoles for expert verification, aiding critical data collection on this new invasive species.

Yoav Lavna, coordinator of the invasive species monitoring program at Ma'arg, emphasized the importance of local observations to track the lizard’s expansion and identify new invasion hotspots. Dr. Nirit Lavi Alon from the Israeli Citizen Science Center highlighted the project as a prime example of how public involvement can contribute valuable data for science and conservation efforts in Israel.

The extent of the brown anole’s spread across Israel remains unclear, making ongoing monitoring essential to understanding its ecological impact and informing management strategies. Residents encountering the lizard in gardens, parks, or on vegetation are encouraged to document and report sightings through the iNaturalist platform.