Page 41 - OutdoorOK2024MayJune ONLINE

Diversity Program.
“But they continue KELLY ADAMS/ODWC
to be locally common
and widespread in
the western one-third
of the state.
“And while we’ve
seen the most sub-
stantial declines in
the central and east-
ern parts of their
range, one of the
fascinating things
about the reports we receive from the public is HOW CAN I HELP LIZARDS?

that the lizards continue to persist in pockets, Lizard enthusiasts have many options for
especially in central Oklahoma.” helping lizards and other wildlife, from main-
This persistence is likely due to correspond- taining quality places for them to live, to
ing pockets of quality lizard habitat. reducing the risk of predation or mortality, to
“Texas horned lizards need somewhat loose simply sharing the word.
soils, with relatively open vegetation and “The first and foremost way to help Texas
exposed ground to thrive,” said Cheyenne horned lizards is to conserve their habitat,”
Gonzales, another biologist with the Wildlife Howery said. “It all starts with native vegetation.”
Diversity Program. “They’re sit-and-wait pred- Native vegetation — with plenty of bunch
ators, relying on their camouflage to avoid grasses and flowering plants — doesn’t just help
being spotted by predators and waiting for the lizards more easily move around their environ-
ants next to their open trails.” ment, it helps the lizard’s main food source, ants.

ARE THEY PROTECTED OR
ENDANGERED?
Contrary to popular belief, the Texas horned JACK CHLEBANOWSKI/SUBMITTED
lizard isn’t a “listed” species but is afforded
some protections by state law.
“These lizards are neither threatened or
endangered at the state or federal level,”
Gonzales said. “Instead, they’re considered
a species of greatest conservation need and
have a closed season in Oklahoma.”
The closed season has protected Texas
horned lizards from direct take — capture, pos-
session, or harvest — since 1992, and while the
protection doesn’t extend to the lizard’s habi-
tat, it does make it illegal to keep one as a pet.
“A majority of the lizard's diet is ants and other
insects,” Gonzales said. "Even if it were legal to
have a Texas horned lizard, it would be difficult
to supplement its diet and keep it alive.”

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