Factors restricting the range expansion of the invasive green anoleAnolis carolinensison Okinawa Island, Japan

Research indicates that the invasive green anole (Anolis carolinensis) on Okinawa Island, Japan, may have the potential to expand its range despite remaining largely confined for over 25 years. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA (ND2) revealed that the Okinawan population originated from the western Gulf Coast and inland U.S., suggesting independent introduction pathways not linked to the Ogasawara Islands. Species distribution modeling (MaxEnt) using North American native populations identified most of Okinawa Island as ecologically suitable, with high habitat suitability in warmer, urbanized areas. However, higher summer precipitation in northern regions reduced suitability compared to North America. The study warns that climate change and land development could enable range expansion, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and cautious urban planning.

Suzuki‐Ohno, Y., Morita, K., Nagata, N., Mori, H., Abe, S., Makino, T., & Kawata, M. (2017). Factors restricting the range expansion of the invasive green anoleAnolis carolinensison Okinawa Island, Japan. Ecology and Evolution, 7(12), 4357–4366. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3002