The Texas Horned Lizard Conservation Center is buzzing with excitement following the birth of approximately 75 baby Texas horned lizards. This latest batch of hatchlings marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to bolster the population of this declining species.
The young lizards will be carefully monitored until they reach a suitable age for release. Their new home will be the Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area, situated in Mason, Texas.
Jack Cross, the reptile keeper at Caldwell Zoo, emphasized the urgency of the conservation work. “This species is of particular concern in Texas due to its dwindling numbers,” Cross explained. “A major challenge is the invasion of fire ants, which pose a severe threat to their survival.”
For years, Caldwell Zoo has been at the forefront of repopulating the Texas horned lizard population. To date, the zoo has successfully released over 100 hatchlings. This effort is part of a larger collaboration with Texas Parks and Wildlife and several other zoos. Collectively, these organizations have released more than 1,000 hatchlings into their natural habitat, according to the Caldwell Zoo’s website.