Texas Conservation Plan (TCP) for the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard
Overview
The dunes sagebrush lizard (DSL) (Sceloporus arenicolus) is a small, light brown reptile native to the shinnery oak sand dune systems of southeastern New Mexico and western Texas. This unique habitat, characterized by semi-stabilized sand dunes interspersed with shinnery oak (Quercus havardii) shrubs, provides essential cover and breeding grounds for the species. The lizard primarily inhabits "blowouts," which are sandy, bowl-shaped depressions within these dune systems. ​
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In May 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the dunes sagebrush lizard as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. This decision was based on significant habitat loss, fragmentation, and the encroachment of invasive species like mesquite. The Permian Basin, a region rich in oil and gas resources, overlaps much of the lizard's habitat, leading to potential conflicts between conservation efforts and energy production. ​
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Conservation strategies such as the TCP, a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAAs), have been implemented to mitigate these threats. These agreements involve collaboration among federal agencies, state authorities, private landowners, and industry stakeholders to promote habitat conservation and minimize adverse impacts on the species. By working together to conserve DSL habitat, we are achieving a balance between this species and economic development.
Texas Conservation Plan
The American Conservation Foundation (ACF) is the permit holder for the Texas Conservation Plan (TCP) for the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard (DSL). This permit was issued to ACF by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA). The TCP provides upstream, midstream, and private landowners/operators with regulatory assurances in exchange for proactive land management practices aimed at minimizing impacts to the DSL’s habitat.
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ACF works with landowners, industry stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to implement conservation measures that mitigate habitat disturbance and promote long-term species sustainability. By facilitating collaboration and compliance, ACF plays a key role in ensuring that conservation efforts align with economic development in the region.
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Enrollment in the TCP officially closed with the final listing of the DSL, effective June 20, 2024.
Conservation Status History of the Dunes Sagebrush lizard
The dunes sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus) has faced a long and complex journey regarding its protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In 2002, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to list the species as endangered due to the loss and fragmentation of its shinnery oak dune habitat, primarily from land development. Responding to ongoing concerns, USFWS proposed the lizard for endangered status in December 2010. However, in June 2012, the agency withdrew the proposal, citing voluntary conservation efforts such as Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCAAs), which were designed to protect the species’ habitat without federal intervention.
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Despite these measures, concerns over the lizard’s declining habitat persisted. In 2018, Defenders of Wildlife submitted a renewed petition to list the dunes sagebrush lizard, arguing that existing voluntary conservation efforts were insufficient. In response, USFWS proposed a new rule to list the species as endangered in July 2023. After an extensive review of scientific data, public comments, and ongoing threats, USFWS officially declared the dunes sagebrush lizard an endangered species in May 2024, with the listing becoming effective in June 2024.
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Following the listing, the State of Texas filed a lawsuit in September 2024, challenging the federal endangered designation for the DSL. State officials stated that the endangered status could hinder oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin and claimed that current conservation efforts were sufficient to protect the species. As the dunes sagebrush lizard remains federally protected, ongoing collaboration between government agencies, conservation groups, private landowners, and industry stakeholders will be essential to ensure its survival.
Dunes Sagebrush Lizard Conservation Efforts
This research, sponsored by the American Conservation Foundation, provides valuable insights for informing management decisions and prioritizing habitat protection efforts. By identifying the most significant factors influencing dunes sagebrush lizard distribution, this study offers a robust framework for conservation planning. Continued monitoring and adaptive management practices are recommended to mitigate the impacts of anthropogenic activities and ensure the long-term survival of the species. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge essential for guiding future conservation initiatives in the region.
Dunes Sagebrush Habitat Maps
Various habitat and range maps have been developed to identify areas occupied by the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard (DSL), each using different methodologies and criteria. These maps help guide conservation efforts by outlining the species' known distribution within the sand dune ecosystems of southeastern New Mexico and West Texas. Some maps take a broader approach, capturing potential habitat based on vegetation and soil type, while others focus on verified scientific observations and habitat modeling.
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The Texas Conservation Plan (TCP) utilizes the Hibbitts Map, a scientifically developed habitat map that provides a detailed and refined representation of the DSL's range in Texas. This map is based on field research and ecological assessments, ensuring that conservation measures are targeted to areas where the species is most at risk.