U.S. wildlife managers proposed federal protections for a rare lizard that can only be found in specific areas of one of the world’s most lucrative oil and natural gas basins on Friday in Albuquerque, New Mexico (AP).
Due to ongoing threats from energy development, mining, and climate change in southeastern New Mexico and West Texas, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stated that the dunes sagebrush lizard should be listed as an endangered species. Through September 1, the agency will be taking public comments on the proposed listing.
For decades, environmentalists have pushed for the reptile to be protected, which has led to petitions and lawsuits. Conservation agreements have also been made, but some groups have said that they don’t do enough to protect the lizard’s habitat.
In 2022, the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit, claiming that the agency was delaying making a decision. As part of an agreement approved by the court, the Fish and Wildlife Service had until June 29 to decide if listing was necessary.
The Center for Biological Diversity’s Michael Robinson stated in a statement, “The dunes sagebrush lizard is marvelously adapted for life in extreme environments, but it needs our help to survive the oil and gas industry’s destruction.” These long-overdue safeguards must be implemented quickly by the Service.
According to Robinson, the 6.4-centimeter-long 2.5-inch lizard has the second-smallest range of any North American lizard.
Because there are so few of them and they are difficult to spot, it is very difficult for biologists to estimate their number. Notwithstanding, they note there are less reptiles distinguished in regions where there are more oil and gas wells or regions where living space has been upset.
The lizard, which is light brown and spiny, lives in sand dunes and among shinnery oak. There, it eats insects and spiders and burrows into the sand to keep warm.
Biologists say that the lizard’s remaining habitat is largely fragmented, making it difficult for the species to find mates other than those who already live nearby.
Hippies originally requested of for the reptile’s security in 2002, bringing about a 2010 finding by government authorities that the species justified security. Some members of Congress and communities in both states that rely on oil and gas development for jobs and tax revenue expressed outrage at this.
A letter requesting a delay in a final decision was sent to Obama administration officials by a number of GOP lawmakers.
In 2012, federal officials made the decision not to provide the reptile with any protections. The much-anticipated decision regarding the lizard was based on the “best available science” and voluntary conservation agreements in New Mexico and Texas, according to then-U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar at the time.
In New Mexico and Texas, government authorities said around 100 farmers and 100 oil and gas organizations have signed up for deliberate preservation arrangements. Nearly 85% of the lizard’s range in New Mexico is covered by the enrollments.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Fish and Wildlife Service, “a rigorous review of the best available scientific and commercial information” led to the current conclusion that a listing was required.
The organization also stated that it would be prudent to provide the lizard with habitat, but provided no additional information.
