Date: 7/30/08
Contact: Margie Klein
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3502

HORNED LIZARDS DON'T MAKE GOOD PETS

Kids who grow up in the desert often spend their time collecting the lizards. One lizard that is especially interesting and popular among youthful collectors is the horned lizard. Often called horned toad lizards or horny toads, they are not really toads at all. These odd-looking lizards are actually related to iguanas.

Polly Conrad, reptile biologist for Nevada Department of Wildlife said the occasional collection of lizards and snakes by curious kids is usually not a problem. “The unlimited commercial collection of unprotected reptiles is allowed only with a permit. Hobby, or noncommercial, collection of reptiles is allowed without a permit for a certain list of unprotected species and there are limits to the number of each species that can be collected. The method of capture also has to be approved,” she said.

The horned lizard’s broad, flattened bodies make them appear like frogs or toads, and they are about the same size. They also have a short tail and horns, or spines on top of their head and on their back, something like a little dinosaur. The desert horned lizard lives throughout the state of Nevada, except in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Horned lizards are similar to chameleons in their camouflage. They match the colors of the soil so well, that predators are often fooled when the horned lizard stands still – they seem to disappear into the ground. If a predator should catch one, the lizard may blow itself up with air and appear like a spiny ball. The horned lizard can also squirt acidic-tasting blood from the corners of their eyes in an effort to be released.

In springtime, horned lizards come out from hibernation, or brumation, and spend their days warming up with their backs tilted toward the sun. Then they forage for ants, their primary food. They spend the later part of the day seeking shade and burying themselves in the sand with their horned heads acting as little plows.

These little creatures can live 5 to 8 years in the wild, but in captivity they will die quickly. The reason for this is that they have to eat a great number of a certain species of harvester ants. It is also difficult to provide the right habitat for them.

Conrad has these recommendations for anyone who might be thinking about collecting any wildlife species:

• Know the collection regulations in the area you plan to collect in and obtain any required permits before collecting.
  
  
• Collection of wildlife is not allowed in State or National Parks, National Conservation Areas or on military or Indian reservations.
  
  
• If you plan to keep any wildlife collected, know the species you plan to keep and how to properly care for it before you bring it home. Many lizards depend on UVA and UVB light to carry out vital body processes and rely on specific food sources. All reptiles depend on their environment to regulate their body temperature, so it’s important to provide an enclosure that provides their optimal temperature zones.
  
  
• Anyone handling reptiles should wash their hands afterward. It is not recommended for children under the age of 5 to have reptiles as pets.
  
  
• Captive animals should never be released back into the natural environment, as they could spread disease or compete with the native wildlife.
  
  
• If someone wants to have a lizard for a pet, a good option is to buy a captive-bred animal from a pet store rather than take one from the wild.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and
wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.