Archive for October 6th, 2010

Searching for Horny Toads in Cemeteries

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

You’ll find more than a dozen species of horned lizards in North America.

Texas actually has three species of horned lizards.

And the one known as the Texas horned lizard – or horny toad — is disappearing from its historic range.

The Texas horned lizard has really utilized a variety of habitats, because it was once found across most of the state, with the exception of, maybe, far east/southeast Texas.

Lee Ann Linam coordinates the Texas Horned Lizard Watch, and is president for the Horned Lizard Conservation Society. A survey project is underway through the Society, which encourages volunteers to survey rural cemeteries for the spiky lizard.

A lot of these rural cemeteries actually retain a lot of native habitat. And just recently one of our members of the Horned Lizard Conservation Society came up with an idea, based upon some of his experiences, that these lightly maintained, semi-native habitats might be good habitat for horned lizards.

The information gathered will help researchers understand the animal’s needs, and factors surrounding its decline. There’s more information at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show… we receive support from the Wildlife Restoration Program… working to increase conservation efforts in Texas.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
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Horned Lizard Watch Brochure

Horned Lizard Watch Monitoring Packet