U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ends Endangered Status for Texas Lizard Amid Controversy

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has removed endangered species protections for the dunes sagebrush lizard in Texas. This decision follows a lawsuit by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against the federal government over the previous designation.

Background on the Lizard’s Protection

The dunes sagebrush lizard, which measures approximately 2.5 inches and is native to the Permian Basin, has faced long-standing threats from oil and gas exploration in the region. Federal protections were introduced for this species in 2024 under the Biden administration. Paxton contested the classification, claiming the Wildlife Service did not use comprehensive scientific and commercial data to justify the lizard’s endangered status.

Legal Settlement and Reassessment

This retraction of the lizard’s endangered status was finalized on July 21, as part of a settlement between the federal government and Paxton’s office. The settlement nullifies the 2024 endangered designation and mandates a reassessment of the lizard’s status by the Wildlife Service.

In a public statement, Paxton welcomed this reassessment and criticized the initial classification, questioning the consideration of habitat restoration efforts. He further stated that Texas, along with its population and industries, should not be affected by what he terms as an ‘illegal rule’.

“Texas, its people, and its industries should not have to suffer the effects of an illegal rule while the Fish and Wildlife Service further evaluates the status of the species.” — Ken Paxton

Reactions and Concerns

The Wildlife Service remains committed to cooperating with local partners to conserve the lizard’s habitat, according to a brief statement issued on Thursday. Meanwhile, conservationists and biologists have questioned Paxton’s actions, suggesting political motives related to oil and gas development might hinder wildlife conservation efforts.

The removal echoes a similar situation faced by the lesser prairie chicken, which was stripped of its endangered status in another court ruling involving Texas and several other states. This has led to criticisms, particularly from the Center for Biological Diversity, highlighting a perceived trend where protective measures for wildlife are overturned for developmental benefits.

Jason Rylander, a senior attorney with the center, expressed concern about this pattern, suggesting that the Fish and Wildlife Service may be prioritizing political interests over conservation.

“There appears to be a disturbing pattern of the Fish and Wildlife Service ignoring its mission to save struggling wildlife like dunes sagebrush lizards and lesser prairie chickens for the convenience of Texas politicians and big oil and gas polluters.” — Jason Rylander

Past and Future Implications

Oil and gas industries had anticipated the impact of restrictions associated with the lizard’s endangered status, warning they could hinder development processes in the region. The Wildlife Service announced that a new evaluation of the dunes sagebrush lizard is expected within two years as a result of the settlement.

Historically, an attempt in 2012 to grant endangered status to the dunes sagebrush lizard was thwarted. The proposal faced opposition from then-Texas Comptroller Susan Combs and oil and gas sectors, who voiced their doubts about the scientific assessments of risks to the lizard.

This article was initially published by The Texas Tribune and shared through a collaboration with The Associated Press.