The dunes sagebrush lizard has recently been the subject of debate due to its addition to the endangered species list. This small reptile’s habitat in the Permian Basin coincides with some of the most productive oil and gas fields in the nation, leading to a conflict between conservation efforts and industry interests.

In a recent segment on WBUR Boston Public Radio program Here and Now, Peter O’Dowd discussed the complexities of this issue with Texas A&M professor and EEB faculty member Lee Fitzgerald, highlighting the challenges of balancing ecological preservation with economic development.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Hagerty/USFWS from a 5/22/24 article in The Texas Tribune.