PREVIEW

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Texas horned lizards are back and thriving in their natural habitat thanks to San Antonio Zoo - and a little help from a country music star.

Texas country music star Josh Abbott from the Josh Abbott Band helped 50 endangered lizards return to their natural habitat. Known for hits like "Settle Me Down" and "She's Like Texas," Abbott's involvement added a touch of Texan pride to the proceedings.

Representatives from Zoo Miami also participated in the release, showcasing a collaboration that began two years ago with the creation of a Texas horned lizard breeding programme.


This partnership has created seven new hatchlings at Zoo Miami that will be released in Texas later this year. Schalk and Candice Pretorius from Ulovane Environmental Training traveled from South Africa to lend their passionate support for this charismatic species, proving that the Texas Horned Lizard's appeal transcends the Texas borders.

These 50 horned lizards, originating from seven clutches, were bred and nurtured at the Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo (CCR). Ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 months old and weighing between 3.4 to 12 grams, they symbolize a significant stride forward in the Texas Horned Lizard Reintroduction Project. Since its inception in 2017, the project has released 258 lizards into the wild, with more to be released later this month. There is clear evidence that lizards previously released on this landscape are not just surviving but thriving in the wild.

Affectionately known as the horny toad, the Texas horned lizard once roamed vast stretches of the state. However, urbanization and invasive species like the red imported fire ant have contributed to a dramatic decline, threatening this iconic reptile's future. The Texas horned lizard, feeding primarily on red harvester ants, plays a crucial role in its ecosystem.

"Participating in this release was a unique opportunity," stated Dr. Andy Gluesenkamp, Director of the CCR. "The presence of influential figures like Josh Abbott and international guests highlights the widespread support and enthusiasm for our efforts. By rigorously evaluating candidate release sites and partnering with landowners, we're laying the groundwork for the successful reintroduction of this treasured species."

The Texas Horned Lizard Detection Canine Network, in partnership with Chiron K9, continues to be pivotal in monitoring these lizards post-release. Specially trained dogs assist in tracking lizards and their scat, ensuring they adapt successfully to their new environment.

"We are exceptionally proud of this milestone, which represents a beacon of hope for conservation worldwide," said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. "Our collective efforts are not only reviving the horned lizard population but are also enhancing biodiversity across Texas. This project exemplifies the power of collaboration in achieving meaningful conservation outcomes."