Where are all of the Texas horned lizards?

Once common throughout most of Texas and protected by law since the late 1960s populations of the Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) have dramatically declined.  Why?  Unfortunately there is not a single reason but several contributing factors which include: the alteration and loss of vital habitat, the removal of key food items such as harvester ants and the spread of the introduced non-native fire ant.

How you can help

You can help provide valuable information for scientist by documenting where and when you find a horned lizard. If you know of any horned lizard populations and would like to help document living populations be certain to gather the following information: State: County: City (or municipality) accurate location (via GPS or road mileage such as FM 1234, 1.5 miles south of highway 12).  Also include the date and time that the lizards were seen.  Any additional information regarding their activity can also be useful.  Digital photos of the animal and habitat are also important.  This type of valuable information can help scientist understand how we can preserve this interesting lizard for future generations.  Even dead horned lizards found on the road are useful to science. To submit horned lizard information or to inquire about the use of salvaged road killed horned lizards please send an email to Carl J. Franklin Biological curator of the Amphibian and Reptile Diversity research Center at the University of Texas at Arlington Franklin@uta.edu  

For more information regarding Horned lizards please visit the Horned Lizard Conservation Society