FWP Greater Short-Horned Lizard BioBlitz Kickoff

FWP Greater Short-Horned Lizard BioBlitz Kickoff

June 19 

05:30PM-07:30PM 

FWP Billings Office 

2300 Lake Elmo Drive 

Billings, MT 59101 

Greater short-horned lizards are a native species found in sagebrush and grasslands of central and eastern Montana. Detectability for greater short-horned lizards has been low during structured surveys through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, though incidental observations reported by members of the public have proven valuable in increasing observations statewide. In an effort to increase sampling efforts, FWP is seeking help from the public. This year, FWP, along with various agency partners, will host a greater short-horned lizard bioblitz from June 21 to June 28 in conjunction with national efforts through the Horned Lizard Conservation Society (HLCS).

FWP will also host a free, all-ages kickoff event for the bioblitz on Thursday, June 19, at the Billings office (2300 Lake Elmo Dr.) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. At this event, FWP staff will give a presentation on the biology of greater short-horned lizards, provide information on where to look for these lizards, and lead a tutorial on using iNaturalist. There will also be crafts and activities for kids.

For more information on the bioblitz, contact FWP nongame biologist Megan O’Reilly at moreilly@mt.gov or 406-247-2966.