By: Jackson S.C.R. No. 7
(In the Senate - Filed January 28, 2009; March 13, 2009,
read first time and referred to Committee on Government
Organization; April 7, 2009, reported favorably by the following
vote: Yeas 6, Nays 0; April 7, 2009, sent to printer.)
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The State of Texas traditionally has recognized a
variety of official symbols as tangible representations of the
proud character and colorful heritage of the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, Select members of the animal kingdom, including the
longhorn, the armadillo, and the Guadalupe bass, are among the
species that have been officially recognized, and their designation
has served to draw attention to the great biological diversity of
the Texas landscape and to highlight creatures who are unique to or
closely identified with the state; and
WHEREAS, The large variety of natural habitats in Texas as
well as the state's central location on the North American
continent have given it a rich array of amphibians; of the many
members of that class that share our lands and waters, one species
comes immediately to the forefront as an especially worthy symbol
of the state: the Texas toad; and
WHEREAS, Aptly named, the Texas toad lives primarily in the
Lone Star State, though it is also found in the neighboring areas of
New Mexico, Oklahoma, and northern Mexico; known by the scientific
name Bufo speciosus, it is one of the most abundant toad species in
Texas and resides in nearly all regions of the state with the
exception of the far eastern counties and parts of the western
Panhandle; and
WHEREAS, Ranging in color from gray to brown with dark
irregular markings, the Texas toad can grow to more than three
inches in length and is easily identified by the black tubercles on
its hind feet and by the absence of the back stripe that is seen on
many other toads; and
WHEREAS, These adaptable amphibians demonstrate the hardy
determination that Texans are known for; in order to survive in a
place where the sun is fierce and water can be scarce, they are
adept at taking refuge beneath rocks and in below-ground havens;
while most well suited to live in areas of sandy soil, they also
thrive in other locales and are found in environments that range
from desert to grasslands to wooded areas; and
WHEREAS, Relishing nothing more than a cooling shower, Texas
toads emerge in huge numbers following a summer rain and head for
the nearest pool of water in hopes of finding a mate; the toads have
a distinctive sound, with males emitting a call of explosive trills
to charm their lady friends; and
WHEREAS, Possessing a Buddha-like visage, this notable
creature is a common sight across much of Texas, and its indomitable
spirit and unique relationship with the state for which it was named
make it a most appropriate symbol of the Lone Star State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate the Texas toad as the official State Amphibian of
Texas.
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