Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live near an area were there is a substantial amount of coast horned lizards, and was wondering if there is any way to get these guys protected, and if possible for me to get permits.

The Coast Horned Lizards, Phrynosoma coronatum, are a protected species and designated as a Species of Special Concern by the California Department of Fish and Game and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Coast Horned Lizards in California are comprised of two subspecies identifiers:

1. the San Diego Coast Horned Lizard, Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei
2. The Coast Horned Lizard, Phrynosoma coronatum frontale

and both are protected as SSC.

Scientific study permits are required to acquire and maintain these reptiles in captivity, or "disturb" them in the wild. Scientific Collection permits are also required. In order to obtain these permits, specific proposals for study are required and the study must benefit the "conservation and ecological needs" of the horned lizard. A sponsor is also required (biologist, university, or scientific organization) to oversee and/or direct the course of study and reporting.

The current status of Species of Special Concern does not necessarily protect the species from development or habitat loss at the current time. Protection of species is often mitigated to "no significant impact" even though a higher designation may be given. Urban sprawl is a major reason for habitat loss in California. And, yes, money does speak louder than the need for habitat protection for many "endangered" species.

Translocation, relocation, and repatriation are not as viable an alternative to protecting species as the protection of habitat in situ. Many translocation, relocation, or repatriation studies have been failures because of the lack of information on the biological and ecological requirements of the animals involved. Long term monitoring is always needed to ensure the requirements are met and the animals not only survive, but prosper. That has not happened.

If you want to participate in studies and aid in protecting the horned lizards, file "Rare Find" reports with the California Department of Fish and Game. If you need these forms, let me know, and I will get them to you. You can also provide the information to me and I will help in setting up a site survey to identify the areas involved and prepare a "habitat quality" assessment to file with F&G. I have all of the permits necessary to do so.

I appreciate your interest in protecting the Coast Horned Lizards and their habitats. As a Conservation Biologist, I make it a point to gather as much scientific data as possible to support protection of natural resources in situ. Trying to restore habitats is more costly than protecting what is already in place.

Lester G. Milroy III

thanks a lot for the information you provided for me, and now I can finally talk to some people who understand what I am talking about. Everyone my age just shrugs off my remarks and disregards what I am talking about.