Re: Reddest H.L. ??

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Horned Lizard Forum ]

Posted by Lester G. Milroy III on May 24, 2002 at 11:37:23:

In Reply to: Reddest H.L. ?? posted by Mark on May 24, 2002 at 02:30:18:

: Which is the reddest horned lizard and how hardy are they?
: AND
: Which is the hardiest horned lizard?

:Mark, color is not a species identifier. Color is only a pattern deternmined by genetics and/or habitat. Cryptic coloration is a primary defense mechanism: camoflouge. Color does not determine hardiness. You will have to be more specific on your question about "which is the hardiest horned lizard." The other thing you need to be very aware of is the status of the different horned lizard species. Most all of the horned lizard species are protected. Some of the reasons are habitat loss, commercial and private collection, and the invasion of nonnative species, which includes ants, grasses and other insects and plants. Think about it. The populations are declining and you want to collect them and further stress population dynamics? What are you willing to pay for the continued loss of the horned lizards? There is a price that will need to be paid in the not too distant future at the rate things are going now. The horned lizards, all 13 species, are very difficult to keep and maintain in captivity. They have very specialized diets and temperature requirements and enclosure requirements to simulate natural habitats and environments. You have to dedicate a lot of time for the proper care of the HLs. I have 15 years of first hand knowledge about this issue. Think about it. Seriously. Lester G. Milroy III

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: : Which is the reddest horned lizard and how hardy are they? : : AND : : Which is the hardiest horned lizard? : :Mark, color is not a species identifier. Color is only a pattern deternmined by genetics and/or habitat. Cryptic coloration is a primary defense mechanism: camoflouge. Color does not determine hardiness. You will have to be more specific on your question about "which is the hardiest horned lizard." The other thing you need to be very aware of is the status of the different horned lizard species. Most all of the horned lizard species are protected. Some of the reasons are habitat loss, commercial and private collection, and the invasion of nonnative species, which includes ants, grasses and other insects and plants. Think about it. The populations are declining and you want to collect them and further stress population dynamics? What are you willing to pay for the continued loss of the horned lizards? There is a price that will need to be paid in the not too distant future at the rate things are going now. The horned lizards, all 13 species, are very difficult to keep and maintain in captivity. They have very specialized diets and temperature requirements and enclosure requirements to simulate natural habitats and environments. You have to dedicate a lot of time for the proper care of the HLs. I have 15 years of first hand knowledge about this issue. Think about it. Seriously. Lester G. Milroy III

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Horned Lizard Forum ]