Once thriving across Texas, the Texas horned lizard, affectionately known as the horny toad, has become increasingly scarce, now listed as a threatened species in its home state. To address the drastic decline in their numbers, the Caldwell Zoo launched the Texas Horned Lizard Conservation Program five years ago.
Katelyn Lenhart, the zoo’s reptile supervisor, emphasized the importance of the species, stating, “These lizards are vital to our ecosystem and hold a special place in Texas culture. We are committed to ensuring their survival for future generations.”
The decline of the Texas horned lizard has been attributed to several factors including the pet trade, habitat destruction, and the invasion of fire ants. In response, the Caldwell Zoo has collaborated with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to create natural habitats aimed at replenishing the population of the state reptile.
Yvonne Stainback, curator of birds and reptiles at Caldwell Zoo, noted a positive development: “We have observed mature lizards, hatched at our center, successfully thriving in the wild. This indicates that our efforts are making a difference.”
In a related effort, the Dallas Zoo welcomed 18 Texas horned lizards on Thursday, with additional lizards expected soon. The Dallas Zoo plans to release these reptiles into their natural habitats this fall, contributing to a broader initiative to revitalize horned lizard populations throughout the state.