A small reptile native to the Permian Basin is no longer protected under federal law. This decision comes after a lawsuit was filed by the state's top attorney. The reptile, which is about the length of a paper clip, had been facing threats to its habitat.

Further details about this change are available from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The service had previously granted protections to the species due to concerns about its well-being. In Odessa, residents may want to learn more about this development and its potential impact on the local environment.