Rhode Island: Support Proposed Permit Requirement to Possess Tegu Lizards

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is seeking public input on proposed regulations that would require possession permits for two tegu genera (Salvator and Tupinambis), including Argentine black-and-white tegus, red tegus, blue tegus, and Colombian gold tegus.

In nature, tegus live in open savannas and dense tropical rainforests and spend their days burrowing underground and foraging for a variety of nourishment, such as plants, fruits, seeds, and insects. In the pet trade, they are often confined to cramped and barren enclosures and denied everything natural to them. Like any non-native species, they can wreak havoc on local ecosystems if released from their enclosures or escape.

While a complete ban on the possession of tegus would be the most responsible course of action, the DEM’s proposed regulation requiring a permit to possess them is a step in the right direction. The deadline to comment is May 20, 2026, and your voice in support of the increased oversight is critical!

Here’s how you can help tegus:

• Speak at the public hearing, which will be held at 5:30 PM on May 12 at the DFW Outdoor Education Office (1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter, RI, 02822).
• Send a personalized email by May 20 to David Kalb at the Department of Environmental Management ([email protected]). Let the DEM know you support the proposed regulation requiring a permit to possess tegus.

Here are a few talking points, but remember that using your own words is most effective:

• As a resident of [your city/town], I support stronger regulations to protect tegus.
• When tegus escape their enclosures—or are purposefully released—the outcome can be detrimental to the tegu and native wildlife.
• I support the DEM’s proposal to require a permit to possess tegu species in the genera Salvator and Tupinambis.