There are many animal species who are threatened with extinction as environmental factors cause their populations to decline. But thankfully, there are conservation efforts dedicated to repopulating these species and reintroducing them to their native habitats.
Recently, an effort to save the threatened Texas horned lizard saw their most promising result yet, releasing a record number of individuals into the wild.
The Texas horned lizard has been threatened by dwindling population numbers over the last few decades, as they have lost much of their habitat and food supply. Factors include urbanization and pesticide use, as well as invasive fire ants, which displace harvester ants, the lizards’ primary source of food.
The horned lizard has been listed as a protected species in their native Texas, which grants them some legal protections, and there has been a major effort to repopulate the species, spearheaded by the Fort Worth Zoo.
The Fort Worth Zoo was the first zoo to successfully breed the species and maintains the largest breeding group of Texas horned lizards under human care. Since 2011, the program has spread to other zoos and institutions, including the Dallas Zoo, Caldwell Zoo, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and Pearland Nature Center.
The collective goal is to breed a healthy horned lizard population that can then be released into their native habitat. The program has been ongoing for years, and this year saw its greatest success yet with a record number of released lizards: 617!
According to a press release, 301 of those hatched at the Fort Worth Zoo. The hatchlings were released into the wild at Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area, in collaboration with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The zoo continues to track the released hatchlings through adulthood.
The Fort Worth Zoo said the record number was a sign of major success for the collaborative effort, citing improving hatch rates, release numbers and reproduction in the wild.
“The more we study and learn about horned lizard behavior, reproduction, and interactions with other organisms and communities within their preferred habitat, the faster we can decipher key factors for establishment of populations in new areas,” said Diane Barber, senior curator of ectotherms.
“We are excited to continue to reach annual milestones and expand partners in our program. We would not be able to double our production of offspring for reintroduction efforts without these partners and the support of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.”
Congrats to everyone involved in this major milestone — this historic hatching is a great sign of hope for the Texas horned lizard.
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