The Range and Distribution of Sceloporus Arenicolus in Texas

Authors: L. A. Fitzgerald, C. W. Painter, T. J. Hibbits, W. A. Ryberg, N. Smolensky, K. L. Skow

Efforts to document the geographic range of the Dune Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus) in New Mexico provided a well-defined range in that state, where the species is classified as endangered by the New Mexico State Game Commission. Until recently, survey efforts in Texas have not been as extensive as in New Mexico where the bulk of the range exists. During 2006 and 2007, Laurencio et al. 2007 conducted 32 surveys at 27 sites in Andrews, Crane, Cochran, Edwards, Ward, and Winkler counties. All of these sites included historical localities as well as areas between historical localities within appropriate shinnery dune habitat. The distribution and habitat data provided in this report better defines the extent of the species’ range in Texas, and adds to our current knowledge of its habitat characteristics in Texas.
The goal of this study was to better define the distribution and habitat of the Dunes sagebrush lizard in Texas in order to establish a baseline of the species’ occurrence. This information is needed to inform the public, private interests, and state and federal resource agencies interested in formulating conservation plans for S. arenicolus.