A large group of California environmentalists want to preserve a reptile population in danger of becoming extinct.
The conservation effort to help preserve the blunt-nosed leopard lizard is a coordinated effort spearheaded by the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
“This exciting partnership has rapidly responded to save a critically imperiled population of an endangered species,” said California Department of Fish and Wildlife Regional Manager Julie Vance. “At the same time, we are also learning about important elements of the blunt-nosed leopard lizard’s life history which will assist in recovery efforts for the entire species.”
The lizards, which are only found only in central California, have been facing extinction since the mid-1960s, according to the Bureau of Land Management.
Other participants in the project include Fresno State University, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.
Through the effort, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo has been able to hatch 19 lizards through a captive breeding program so far. It’s a first for the species.
The goal, officials say, is to release the lizards back into the wild to allow them to reproduce at regular rates.
“Each and every animal serves an important role in our ecosystem, so it’s imperative to conserve species in their natural habitats,” said Fresno Chaffee Zoo General Curator Lyn Myers. “These 19 individuals represent a chance to ensure that blunt-nosed leopard lizards will be around for generations to come. The work that we are doing and the knowledge gained will help blunt-nosed leopard lizards both at our Zoo and in their natural habitat.”
The effort is expected to continue over the next five years.
And although this year’s breeding season has ended, officials said they will relaunch the lizard love-making effort in spring 2022.
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