Nature

Great Horny Toads! Video Shows Release of 140 Horned Lizard Hatchlings

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Tony Maples Photography

 

In what has to be one of the cutest Facebook videos, Texas Parks and Wildlife recently struck a chord with close to two million viewers tuning in to see horned lizard hatchlings. Tagging each of their partner zoos on the project, TPWD’s post stated, “Go little lizards! Over 140 horned lizard hatchlings were released today at Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area west of Llano. We’re working to restore this native Texan to its historic range in partnership with Fort Worth Zoo, Dallas Zoo and San Antonio Zoo.” Focusing efforts toward the repopulation of the Texas state reptile, TPWD together with the aforementioned zoos and many other partners throughout the state have formed the Texas Alliance for America’s Fish & Wildlife. Assisting the horned lizard, among others, has become one of the alliance’s integral projects. “With over 100 member organizations representing over a million Texans, the Texas Alliance is a diverse coalition consisting of landowners, conservation organizations, privately-held businesses, sportsmen’s groups, church congregations, educational institutions, and other civic organizations, who have come together to support fish and wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, and conservation education,” their website outlines.

Video: Facebook/Texas Parks and Wildlife Often referred to as “horned toads” or “horny toads,” these little guys are fondly remembered by many a Texan. One video commenter noted, “We called them horny toads when I was a kid growing up in Texas. Glad to see they might come back…” The Texas Alliance has been working to conserve fish and wildlife species within the state, as part of a national project focusing on 12K animals that are recognized as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). Of these, 1,310 can be found in Texas, and without the assistance of groups such as the Alliance, are at risk of becoming endangered. Among these, the “…pronghorn, black bear, loggerhead sea turtle, Texas horned lizard, golden-cheeked warbler, and American bumblebee” make up part of the group’s focus within the Lone Star State. For more information on the horned lizard, other SGCNs, or the work of the Texas Alliance, visit their website at the link provided here or consider becoming a volunteer on one of their projects.