Behold the Horned Lizard Statue a magnificent steel sculpture. This isn’t just any lizard though. It’s a Texas horned lizard Phrynosoma cornutum the state reptile of Texas. The artist Dylan Connor captured its essence perfectly. The statue depicts the lizard in a menacing pose sunning itself atop a rock. Its horns are prominent two central head spines much longer than the others. This lizard is brownish with two rows of fringed scales. A light line extends from its head down its back. You can even see the dark brown stripes radiating from its eyes.
Did you know the Texas horned lizard is also called a horny toad? This nickname comes from its rounded body and blunt snout. It’s neither a toad nor a frog though. The scientific name Phrynosoma means toad-bodied and cornutum means horned. These lizards are surprisingly docile. Despite their fierce appearance they are gentle creatures. They spend time sunbathing to produce Vitamin D. At night they bury themselves in sand.
The Horned Lizard Statue stands as a tribute to a creature facing challenges. The Texas horned lizard population has declined. Overuse of pesticides and the spread of invasive red imported fire ants are to blame. These ants destroy harvester ant colonies the lizard’s main food source. The Texas horned lizard is now a threatened species. In Texas it’s illegal to pick up touch or possess them without a permit. Research efforts such as a mark-and-recapture study are underway. The Dallas Zoo and other institutions are working hard to ensure the survival of this unique reptile.
This statue therefore serves as a reminder. It’s a symbol of Texas’s commitment to conservation. It reminds us of the importance of protecting our native wildlife. The Horned Lizard Statue isn’t just art. It’s a call to action. A symbol of hope for the future of this fascinating creature. Let’s admire its detailed form and remember the story it tells. Let’s help ensure Texas horned lizards continue to thrive in the wild.