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Thirteen species of Horned Lizards (Genus Phrynosoma) occur in North America. Ranges extend from
southern Canada to Guatemala. Horned lizards live in a variety of arid and semi-arid environments

from oak-pine woodlands to thorn-scrub deserts. Populations of several species throughout the range of
the genus are in trouble.

For example, populations of the Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) have disappeared in
eastern and central Texas, and are decreasing in northern Texas. Declines and disappearances also have
been recorded in Oklahoma and New Mexico. The primary cause for population decline is the loss of
habitat to agriculture and urban development. However, overharvesting for the pet and curio trades and
invasions of exotic species are also implicated. Some states protect Horned Lizards. In Texas, both the Texas
and Mountain Short-horned (P. hernandesi) lizards are state-listed as Protected, meaning that it is illegal
for anyone to take, possess, transport, or sell them without a special permit. Not only is it illegal to keep
Horned Lizards in Texas, but they are difficult to care for in captivity, and most captured animals eventu-
ally die from improper care.

The Horned Lizard Conservation Society is dedicated to protecting Horned Lizards. The Mission of
the organization is to document and publicize the values and conservation needs of Horned Lizards, to
promote Horned Lizard conservation projects, and to assist with Horned Lizard management initiatives.
The Society includes three existing chapters in Texas, Southern California, and Oklahoma and emerging
chapters in New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada.

If you would like to contribute to the Society, you can help in many ways. We always welcome new
faces, new ideas, and new inspiration. For further information contact:

Horned Lizard Conservation Society
P.O. Box 122

Austin, TX 78767
http://www.hornedlizards.org/

email: phrynosoma@hornedlizards.org

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