Can you keep a horned toad

Speaking as a scientist, what are the ecological implications and consequences of doing that? I never recommend collecting wild animals as pets. This is particularly true for many reptiles and amphibians.

In many areas, illegal or unregulated collecting of wild reptiles and amphibians is an important contributor to population declines. Some species of horned lizards are increasingly rare and we should focus on making sure their wild populations are secure. In most cases the primary cause of this rarity is habitat loss but collecting can contribute to the problem. What do you think in general of reptiles being kept as pets, versus animals like dogs which have actually sought human companionship over hundreds of years?

I don't own any pets, but when I was young one of my favorite pastimes was walking through nearby streams and forests looking for reptiles and amphibians. I was not allowed to keep any of these animals as pets, but I could hold them in a tank for a week or two before releasing them where I found them. I think that might be a good compromise that allows kids to learn more about their local wildlife without necessarily causing them any problems.

But these herps are definitely not appropriate as offerings to amateurs who may acquire one as a first pet only because of its exotic looks.

I bought one in a pet shop as a kid growing up in New Jersey, and I watched it slowly starve to death. By the time I figured out that it wanted ants, it was too weak to eat. Bearded dragons sport a somewhat similar spiky look and make far better pets. Certain species, for example the giant horned lizard Phrynosoma asio , also appreciate twigs or safe plants, such as grasses, for climbing.

Horned toads eat a diet similar to many other lizards -- think small invertebrates. Phrynosoma species, however, tend to have pretty specialized nutrition needs, with ants in particular often featuring highly on the menu. A diet consisting entirely of live crickets might be cheap but it isn't suitable. Research the exact needs of your species and ensure you can provide an adequate supply of the right foods, which might mean buying from specialist suppliers. These lizards seem to become stressed easily by even the most careful handling, so avoid touching or picking them up unless essential.

Their actual life span in the wild, however, is still unconfirmed. Even with experienced owners, these lizards only average a five-year life span in captivity. In between their scales are microscopic channels that catch and carry water. By opening and closing their mouth, they drink through their scales like sipping through a series of straws. They are the only species of horned toads that give birth to the young live. Other species of horned lizards lay eggs.

In the Short-horned lizard, the eggs are retained within the mother until the live young are born. Short-horned Lizards give birth to babies. These provide heat and UVB all in one bulb. You can also use separate basking heat bulb and UVB bulbs.