The effects of ant relationships on Texas Horned Lizard populations

• In Event: Poster Presentation and Judging for: Anthropology; Botany; Conservation Ecology; Environmental Science; Freshwater Science; Geosciences; Mathematics & Computer Science; Neuroscience; Physics & Eng; Science Education; Terrestrial Ecology & Management.
  In Poster Session: Conservation Ecology Poster Session

Abstract

The population of Texas Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) is an important part of the Texas biodiversity. Over the past few years this population had been declining rapidly. One hypothesis is that the population of Red Invasive Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta) has been attacking, out-competing, and/or killing the lizard’s main food source, Red Harvester Ants (Pogonomyrmex barbatus). Studies show that as Red Invasive Fire Ants (RIFA) populations increase, the populations of Red Harvester Ants (RHA) and Texas Horned Lizards (THL) decrease. This could be a contributing factor to THL becoming an endangered species. Typically, the equally aggressive RIFA and RHA keep on average a ten-foot gap or more between mounds. However, recently RIFA have been observed building mounds within five feet of, and even travelling over RHA mounds, refraining from attacking one another. We predict the observation of these new ant behaviors will have a positive effect on the re-growth of the THL population. Results from this study will provide essential data and information for wildlife managers and endangered species survival plan coordinators in the ongoing effort to conserve the Texas Horned Lizard.

Authors

• Corrender Taylor, Hardin Simmons University

• Samuel Thompson, Hardin Simmons University

• JD Carnes, Hardin Simmons University

• Wendi K Wolfram, Hardin-Simmons University

• Allan J. Landwer, Hardin Simmons University

• Andrea B. Jensen, Hardin Simmons University