A Texas lizard has lost its federal endangered species protection. The dunes sagebrush lizard, a small reptile native to the Permian Basin, had been granted protection in 2024. However, this designation was challenged by state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who sued the federal government over the matter.

The lawsuit led to a settlement that resulted in the end of the lizard's endangered classification. The species had faced threats from oil and gas development in its native region. Further details about the settlement and its implications are available from the source.

The settlement was reached on July 21, bringing an end to the lizard's federal protection. For more information on this development, readers can refer to the original source.