FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bringing Back the Texas Horned Lizard with Kira Gangbin

Goldthwaite, TX — July 21, 2026 — The public is cordially invited to Bringing Back the Texas Horned Lizard – The Science of Saving One of Texas’ Most Iconic Reptiles, a special presentation by TCU doctoral researcher Kira Gangbin on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Goldthwaite Pavilion at the Texas Botanical Gardens & Native American Interpretive Center, Inc., 1219 Fisher Street, Goldthwaite, Texas.

For generations, the Texas horned lizard—often affectionately called the “horny toad”—was a familiar sight across much of the state. Today, however, the species has disappeared from many areas due to a combination of habitat loss, changes in land use, invasive fire ants, and other environmental pressures.

Although the Texas horned lizard remains the official state reptile, its decline has made conservation and reintroduction efforts more important than ever. This engaging presentation will take attendees behind the scenes of the science driving one of Texas’ most exciting wildlife conservation efforts. Drawing from her doctoral research at Texas Christian University, Kira Gangbin will discuss the statewide horned lizard reintroduction program, the challenges researchers face in improving survival rates, and the innovative studies being conducted on nesting behavior, overwintering survival, and invasive fire ant management. Guests will gain a firsthand look at how modern wildlife research is helping to shape the future of this iconic Texas species.

Originally from Central California, Gangbin began her wildlife career studying the endangered bluntnosed leopard lizard while earning her undergraduate degree at California State University, Fresno. She later worked with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducting surveys on a variety of threatened and endangered species before coming to Texas Christian University in 2022. After earning her master’s degree in 2024 studying fire ant management in horned lizard habitats, she continued her research as a doctoral candidate focusing on improving Texas horned lizard reintroduction efforts through studies of nesting ecology, brumation (winter dormancy), and habitat management.

She is expected to graduate with her Ph.D. in Spring 2027. While many Texans remember finding horned lizards in their backyards as children, sightings have become increasingly uncommon throughout much of the state. Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists have documented declines across large portions of the species’ historic range, particularly in Central and East Texas, making ongoing research and conservation efforts essential to their recovery. Whether you’re a lifelong wildlife enthusiast, an educator, or simply someone who fondly remembers the “horny toads” of your youth,

Bringing Back the Texas Horned Lizard offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the scientists working to ensure that future generations of Texans can experience one of the state’s most beloved native reptiles.

The event is free for TBGNAIC members, $5 for nonmembers.