MIAMI – For the first time, Zoo Miami has successfully hatched threatened Texas horned lizards as part of a conservation effort to boost their wild populations, zoo spokesman Ron Magill confirmed Tuesday in a news release.

Zoo Miami, in collaboration with the Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo, has established “a satellite colony of Texas horned lizards to produce hatchlings under human care as part of the Texas Horned Lizard Reintroduction Project,” Magill wrote in the news release.

The hatchlings, once they are stable, will be transported to Texas and released in carefully selected sites by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, according to Magill.

Known colloquially as “horned frogs” or “horny toads,” the Texas horned lizard is an iconic species and the official state lizard of Texas, where it is listed as threatened and protected by law, the news release stated.

The lizard, which is distinguished by the horns on its head and rows of spiny scales along its sides, typically measures between 3 and 5 inches in length.

Magill said it normally inhabits dry grasslands, savannas, and deserts, with skin adapted to absorb water from dew and sand.

Zoo Miami said the species faces several threats, including habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and pesticide use.

According to Magill, harvester ants, the lizard’s primary food source, have declined due to competition with invasive fire ants and the use of pesticides. As a result, the Texas horned lizard population has decreased by more than 30% over the last 40 years.

The horned lizard’s first eggs were laid at the end of June, and the first hatching occurred on Aug. 9 at Zoo Miami, Magill confirmed Tuesday.

He said seven more hatchlings have since emerged, with more eggs still incubating.

The tiny hatchlings, which are small enough to fit on a quarter, “are being carefully monitored and fed fruit flies and small insect larvae until they are stable for transport,” Zoo Miami wrote in Tuesday’s news release.

Magill said zoo staff will then accompany the hatchlings to Texas to work with the San Antonio Zoo and other collaborators to release them back into the wild.

The Miami Heat are filled with talent of all ages, but two of the most established players are nearing the end of their careers.

With retirement on the horizon for Jimmy Butler and even closer for Kevin Love, Hall of Fame conversations are also emerging. Basketball Reference lists Butler with a 72.98 percent chance to make it while Love comes in slightly higher at 73.47 percent.

Love signed a two-year, $8 million contract to return to the Heat this offseason, a deal that will likely follow with retirement. He is expected to still make solid contributions, averaging 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds on 44 percent shooting last year.

The Heat selected Indiana big man Kel’el Ware in the NBA Draft, paving the way for Love to mentor him. Ware will also learn from three-time All-Star center Bam Adebayo, who is entering his prime.

Butler, who is entering a contract year, seemingly has more time left in his career. He’s expected to hunt a maximum contract next summer, either from the Heat or elsewhere. The 34-year-old is dealing with health issues, meaning retirement could come into consideration sooner than anticipated.

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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.

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