1409 Species Conservation Plan and Captive Breeding Lab

Learning Objective
• Use scientific reasoning to investigate benefits and drawbacks of captive breeding as a
tool for conservation
• Research conservation plans and the techniques used to help preserve or repopulate a
species
• Identify the ecological significance of species and how humans have impacted
biodiversity
• Communicate effectively the results of conservation plans and techniques used

Introduction - Conservation
What is conservation biology? It is the management of nature and biodiversity with the
goal of protecting species, their habitats, and ecosystems while also restoring species and
ecosystems that have already been impacted by human activities. There are many tools and
techniques used in conservation biology. Data are key when assessing a species. There are
many groups that store and analyze data from scientists around the world. The International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the global authority on the status of natural world.
Their website has resources including databases of endangered species and ecosystems,
databases of sites that are important to biodiversity, information on protected areas,
environmental law and practical solutions for sustainable development.
In the United States, there are a few different federal agencies that have a role in
conservation biology. The two main agencies that deal with endangered species are the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) Fisheries Service. These two are the lead federal agencies for implementing the
Endangered Species Act of 1973.
This act of Congress was passed to help preserve our rich natural heritage and protect
native ecosystems, plants and animals that are in danger of becoming extinct. The Endangered
Species Act allows species to be listed as “threatened” or “endangered”. Threatened means the
species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future while endangered means
the species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant percentage of its range.
In Texas, the department of Parks and Wildlife works to list species as threatened or
endangered. This department not only helps maintain federally listed species, but also
maintains a list of species that are threatened or endangered within the state. You can find the
list of Texas endangered species by going to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website and searching
endangered species list (https://tpwd.texas.gov/gis/rtest/).
Instructions
For this lab you will select an endangered species that is native to Texas. Research the species,
its history and current conservation efforts. You will produce a power point presentation that
includes all the information listed below about your chosen species.

1. Scientific name, date the species was listed as endangered, habitat/ecosystem, home
range
Scientific Name: Phrynosoma cornutum

Date Listed as Endangered: Currently listed as a species of "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red
List.

Habitat/Ecosystem: Native to arid and semi-arid regions, including grasslands, shrublands,

and desert habitats in Texas.

Home Range: Texas Horned Lizards have relatively small home ranges, typically within a few
acres.

2. What caused this species to decline? (human development, competition, loss of habitat
or food resources, pollution, fragmentation of habitat, etc.) For most endangered
species there is more than one cause.
The decline of Ocelot populations can be attributed to a combination of factors:
Habitat Loss: Urbanization, agriculture, and land development have led to habitat destruction
and fragmentation.
Decrease in Ant Populations: Texas Horned Lizards primarily feed on ants, and declines in ant
populations impact their food resources.
Pesticide Use: Pesticides used in agricultural areas can directly impact Texas Horned Lizards,
affecting their health and survival.
3. What is the species conservation plan/species-survival plan?
a. What conservation tools are being used?
Habitat Restoration: Focusing on restoring and preserving native habitats, especially areas
with a high diversity of ant species.
Ant Population Management: Investigating and addressing factors contributing to declines in
ant populations.
Research and Monitoring: Implementing research programs to monitor lizard populations and
assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
 b. Have these tools been successful in increasing or preserving the species?
Some success has been achieved through habitat restoration and ant population
management.
Ongoing challenges include continued habitat loss and the need for sustained monitoring.
c. Are there other ideas for conservation being considered?
Collaborating with farmers and landowners to implement lizard-friendly agricultural
practices.
Public awareness campaigns to promote coexistence and reduce negative interactions with
the species.
4. Is captive breeding being used to help increase population numbers?
a. If yes, describe the captive breeding programs being used.
Captive breeding can serve as a strategy to maintain genetic diversity and provide a safety net
against population declines in the wild.
Challenges include reproducing natural conditions for the lizard and ensuring proper
nutrition.
b. If not, why is captive breeding not being used for the species?
Reasons for/against Captive Breeding:
Limited captive breeding programs exist, focusing on maintaining genetic diversity and
potentially reintroducing individuals into suitable habitats.

Programs prioritize mimicking natural conditions and ensuring the lizards' behavioral needs
are met.

5. What is the overall projected outcome for the species?

The overall projected outcome for Texas Horned Lizards is cautiously optimistic, with
continued efforts focusing on:
The overall projected outcome for Texas Horned Lizards is cautiously optimistic, with
continued efforts focusing on:
Collaborative research to understand the specific needs and requirements of the lizard.
Adapting conservation strategies based on ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
6. Why is it important to preserve biodiversity and the health of an ecosystem?
 Preserving biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem health and resilience. The Texas Horned
Lizard plays a unique role in its ecosystem, contributing to insect population control and
maintaining ecological balance.
7. What does your species mean to the overall concept of biodiversity?
a. Why is your species important?
Texas Horned Lizards are crucial for controlling ant populations, contributing to the overall
health of their ecosystem.
Their specialized diet and habitat preferences make them an indicator species for ecosystem
health.
b. What role does it play in its habitat/ecosystem?
Their presence indicates a balanced ecosystem, as changes in their population can reflect
broader ecological shifts.
As insectivores, Texas Horned Lizards play a significant role in regulating insect populations,
especially ants.

c. What do you think will happen if your species does not recover?
Loss of Texas Horned Lizards could lead to an increase in ant populations, potentially affecting
vegetation and other insect species.
Ecosystem imbalances may impact other wildlife dependent on a diverse and stable food web
8. Final thoughts on conservation of endangered species. What have you learned?
Effectively communicating the results of conservation plans and techniques used is crucial for
public understanding and support:
Educational Programs: Implementing educational initiatives to inform the public about the
success and challenges of Texas Horned Lizard conservation.
Community Engagement: Involving local communities in monitoring and conservation efforts
to foster a sense of responsibility.
Media Outreach: Collaborating with media outlets to share success stories and ongoing
challenges, promoting public awareness and support.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DojGPBV4U0w&feature=emb_logo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Puv0Pss33M&feature=emb_logo