The spot-tailed earless lizard (Holbrookia lacerata) native to central and southern Texas is in the slow process of becoming endangered, which may entitle the species to some very expensive protection.

While the International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists the lizard’s habitat into the Mexican federal states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, a significant portion is believed to inhabit the Eagle Ford Shale.

The Eagle Ford Shale, or Eagle Ford Formation, is one of the most active locations for oil and gas in the United States, producing nearly 1 million barrels-per-day of crude oil.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2011 agreed the notion for the species to be listed as protected or endangered is warranted, although it may be years before any official action is taken.

The spot-tailed earless lizard is most commonly found in open prairie-brushland regions, laying its eggs underground. One of the biggest threats to the species is believed to be the fire ant, introduced to the region in the 1950’s, although researchers have not validated fire ants as a major threat.

Researchers are also unsure as to the effect of the increase in oil production on the species. “We don’t know for sure that oil exploration has any impact at all,” said Mike Duran of the Nature Conservancy in Corpus Christi. “There’s even the possibility that it could be beneficial in a way. They like open areas and bare ground. They like to sit in the middle of a dirt road.”

On the other hand, others claim this could be the beginning of another major industry vs. nature battle. “Basically the proverbial you-know-what is going to hit the fan if they propose to list it,” said Melinda Taylor, executive director of the Center for Global Energy, International Arbitration and Environmental Law at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law.