Conservation

Roadrunner License Plate Debuts  

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has launched the long-awaited greater roadrunner conservation license plate to help support and expand wildlife viewing programs and habitat conservation work in Texas.

“The greater roadrunner is an iconic image for Texans that can be seen in every county of the state and is one of the toughest birds around — it’s even known for eating rattlesnakes,” says Shelly Plante, TPWD’s nature tourism manager. “It’s also one of the few birds people recognize and remember the first time they see it, given its unique profile — all of which makes it the perfect symbol for Texas wildlife viewing and nature tourism.”

TPWD invited the public to vote for their favorite design last April. The winning design, now on the plate, shows the roadrunner in a proud, confident stance, a signature look for this Texas bird.

Texas wildlife photographer Hector Astorga generously donated the image.

“Wildlife photography opens people’s eyes to what we need to protect,” Astorga says. “That leads to conservation and preserving the habitat that these wild creatures need to survive.”

Funding from sales of the roadrunner conservation license plate will help support and expand programs such as the Great Texas Wildlife Trails, Texas Paddling Trails and the Great Texas Birding Classic, making it easier to find great places for Texans to view wildlife and enjoy nature.

Other conservation plates benefit Texas fisheries and rivers, state parks, big game management and non-game wildlife species management. All TPWD conservation specialty plates cost $30 a year, with $22 supporting various programs and efforts.

To buy a roadrunner plate or for more information on TPWD’s conservation licenses plates, click here.