Personality assessment of headstart Texas horned lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) in human care prior to release

Abstract

The study of animal personality is a growing field that has applications for welfare of animals living in captive settings. We measured personality traits (activity, exploration, and neophobia) in Texas horned lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) living in human care before they were released to their natal habitat as part of a headstart program. We found evidence of consistent inter-individual differences in activity and exploration, but not neophobia. We also identified a positive correlation between activity and exploration, such that more active lizards were also more likely to explore a novel environment. These results suggest that Texas horned lizards have individual differences in response to their environment, which can inform husbandry decisions. Extensions of this work could also have implications for conservation of Texas horned lizards and for headstart programs focused on reptiles.