Monitoring revolves around a mark-recapture study. Recapture data allows for the estimation of population numbers. Adult horned lizards attain an average size of 5 inches, with females being somewhat larger than males. Although horned lizards continually grow throughout their lives, growth drastically slows once they reach maturity. Intervals between captures of individuals indicate that horned lizards can live to at least seven years of age in the wild.
More research is needed to fully understand all aspects of horned lizard ecology.
Especially important is determining the effects of common habitat altering practices such as brush control and livestock grazing on horned lizards. Knowledge gained by research will allow biologist and land managers to better manage rangelands to ensure the propagation of species such as horned lizards, and allow this symbol of Texas' wildness to repopulate areas of its former range. Written by Chip Ruthven Chip Ruthven is a Wildlife Biologist at the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area, Wildlife Division.