Researchers were previously unable to tell if the lizards were genetically different from a less rare species.

An extremely rare, possibly endangered lizard could be living in the Chinati Mountains of West Texas. Biologists from the University of Texas, Arlington plan to locate the Dixon's whiptail and determine whether it might be a new species. The fast-moving reptile -- which survives on a diet of insects -- measures about 8 to 12 inches long, is gray in color with white or yellow stripes, and is most active during the day. Up until recently, researchers were unable to tell if the lizards were genetically different from the less rare common checkered whiptail.

In January, the biologists will kickstart a year-long project to sample the DNA of the two lizard types. Once obtained, the samples will be analyzed with a variety of sequencing tools, including UT Arlington's new next-generation genetic sequencer. They will then be compared to previously sequenced samples from the lizards. Should they prove to be different species, the Dixon's whiptail may be eligible for protection as an endangered species. If there are no distinct species, evidence from the project would be sufficient to lump both lizards under the same name.

"By examining thousands of single-nucleotide polymorphisms distributed across the genomes, we will be able to tell once and for all if Dixon's whiptail is a different species," said Corey Roelke, a professor of instruction in biology at UT Arlington and one of the lead investigators on the project, in a statement. "If it is distinct, then it is rarer than the common checkered whiptail and it will qualify for both state and federal protection under the Endangered Species Act."

Matthew Fujita, a biology professor at UTA who also serves as a lead investigator on the project, said the lizards are not easy to catch. "They're all female, blend in well to their surroundings and are very fast," he said in a statement. "We will rely on lizard lassos (basically fishing poles with tiny lassos on the top) and sticky traps to catch animals for sampling their DNA."

While the project won't be without challenges, Roelke said "It will be exciting to use modern genetic science to finally solve this mystery."