By: Bonnen (Senate Sponsor - Jackson) H.C.R. No. 18
         (In the Senate - Received from the House April 22, 2009;
  May 6, 2009, read first time and referred to Committee on
  Government Organization; May 13, 2009, reported favorably by the
  following vote:  Yeas 6, Nays 0; May 13, 2009, sent to printer.)
 
 
HOUSE 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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