Greater short-horned lizard its close relative the pygmy short-horned lizard ("Phrynosoma douglasii" ), which has the same basic body type consisting of small pointed scales around the head and back. Until recent mitochondrial DNA evidence, "P. hernandesi" was considered to be the same species as "P. douglasii". They are now considered distinct species with the pygmy short-horned lizard ("P. douglasii" ) occupying the northwest portion of the United States and extreme southern British Columbia. When placed together the two are easily distinguished at full size, the pygmy short-horned lizard being much smaller. "P. hernandesi" is a highly variable species with different geographic populations
Carchi Andes toad crops is polluting the species' habitat. An unknown intrinsic factor may also be responsible for the species' scarcity. Carchi Andes toad The Carchi Andes toad, "Rhaebo colomai", is a species of toad endemic to the western slopes of the Andes in northern Ecuador and southern Colombia. It is listed as a critically endangered species due to a restricted range and habitat loss. "Rhaebo colomai" are medium-sized toads: males measure and females in snout–vent length. This species is known only from three locations: the type locality ("Cabacera del Rio Baboso, cerca a Lita', Carchi Province, Ecuador"), one other locality close by