Wildlife & Conservation


Ocelot head.

Bold New Kingsville Breeding Facility Aims to Give Texas Ocelots a Second Chance

For decades, ocelot populations in Texas have been stuck in a holding pattern.

Story by Tenley Jackson
A coyote in a clearing.

A Nature Photographer's Advice on Capturing the Wild

Being a nature photographer requires patience, skill and... did I mention patience?

Story and photos by Russell A. Graves
A view of a jackrabbit from behind.

Black-Tailed Jackrabbits Use Their Speed to Escape

Long ears and long legs give jackrabbits their distinctive look.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
Raymond Urban next to a monument on Guadalupe Peak.

Novice Game Warden Experienced TV-Worthy Adventures in a Remote Texas Outpost

Texas lawman served in rugged Guadalupe Mountains in the 1960s.

Story by Shilo Urban
Foggy Steinhagen Reservoir at sunset.

East Texas Wildlife Management Area Is a Watery Wonderland

Angelina-Neches/Dam B straddles an area between two rivers.

Story by Russell Roe
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Recent in Birding

January/February 2026 issue

Tiny Blanco State Park is a Huge Hit With Texans

Thanks to its mile of riverfront and family-friendly feel, Blanco is beloved by generations.

Story by Eva Frederick
August/September 2025 issue

Candy Cain Abshier WMA Is A Site For Soar(ing) Eyes

Each fall, birders flock to Galveston Bay’s Candy Cain Abshier Wildlife Management Area.

Story by Dan Oko
July 2025 issue

Ask A Grackle: Why Are Grackles So Darn Loud?

The Grackle tells the legend of its shrill, grating voice.

Story by The Grackle
May 2025 issue

Is Texas the Birdiest State? It Depends on How You Count the Birds

Texas ruled the roost before California took the lead. Maybe the lists don't tell the whole story...

Story by Romey Swanson
May 2025 issue

South Texas Draws International Bird-Watchers in Search of Elusive Species

Bring your binocular and spotting scopes to see Texas' rare birds.

Story by Steve Hall
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Recent in Critters

January/February 2026 issue

Black-Tailed Jackrabbits Use Their Speed to Escape

Long ears and long legs give jackrabbits their distinctive look.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
December 2025 issue

Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks Gain Advantage From Their Head Shape

These remarkable ocean predators help maintain the health of the Gulf and its seafood.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
October 2025 issue

An Ant That’s Not an Ant

Velvet ants are wasps that pack a powerful sting.

Story by Katie Potter
Published September 10, 2025

Alligators Are Good Moms, Keeping Hatchlings Safe

At Brazos Bend, moms make sure little gators grow up till they reach the top of the food chain.

Story by Montserrat Canedo
Published September 10, 2025

Hognose Snakes Act Scary But Aren't Dangerous

Harmless eastern hognose can use a variety of tactics to scare us, including looking like a cobra.

Story by Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
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Recent in Plants

Published July 24, 2025

Wild Harvest: Native Texas Fruits

Use Texas’ bounty of native fruits for your next pie or jelly.

Story by Dyanne Fry Cortez
June 2024 issue

This Collection of Plants Helps Scientists Understand how Texas has Changed Over Time

The plant collection resides at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

December 2018 issue

Ball Moss Lives in Trees but Doesn’t Harm Them

The flowering plant is often seen on dead branches.

Story by Eva Frederick
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Recent in Land Stewardship

November 2025 issue

Meet the Majestic Mountains of Sierra Diablo Wildlife Management Area

The 12,000-acre property is home to bighorn sheep and other desert wonders.

Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
October 2025 issue

Recording Rock Imagery at Hueco Tanks State Park

The first comprehensive rock art survey at Hueco Tanks has yielded unrecorded pictograph panels.

Story by Eva Frederick
Published October 2, 2025

Seminole Canyon Pictographs Reveal Clues to an Ancient Culture

Experts call the rock imagery "the oldest library in North America."

Story by Russell Roe
Published September 10, 2025

From Mortgage Banker to Wildlife Technician

How one man made a radical career change.

Story by Texas Parks and Wildlife
August/September 2025 issue

Boggy Slough Conservation Area Earns Top Award for Land Stewardship

The diverse 19,000-acre preserve lies in East Texas' Pineywoods.

Story by Lerrin Johnson
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Recent in Conservation

Published November 14, 2025

O.H. Ivie Lake Is on a Record Run for Big Bass

This Texas lake filled the ShareLunker books since 2021.

Story by Kirk McDonnell
November 2025 issue

Meet the Barton Springs Salamander, an Aquatic Austinite

This red-gilled resident dwells in the heart of the city.

Story by Gwendolyn Reed
October 2025 issue

Cross Bar Is a Special Piece of Federal Land in the Panhandle

The recreation area is the only Bureau of Land Management site in Texas. Access is coming.

Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
Published October 2, 2025

Meet the Critters of Texas State Parks

Our public lands are where the wild things are.

Story by Susan Griswold
October 2025 issue

Conservation License Plates Support Wildlife, Parks

Program marks 25 years of conservation on Texas roads.

Story by Tenley Jackson
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Recent in Science

January/February 2026 issue

Bold New Kingsville Breeding Facility Aims to Give Texas Ocelots a Second Chance

For decades, ocelot populations in Texas have been stuck in a holding pattern.

Story by Tenley Jackson
January/February 2026 issue

Citizen Scientists Are an Essential Part of Research in Texas

Community members collect valuable data on Texas plants and animals.

Story by Eva Frederick
January/February 2026 issue

Mapping the Secret Lives of Texas Birds and Bats

A tracking system called Motus provides a glimpse into the movements of migrating creatures.

Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
November 2025 issue

The New World Screwworm Is Poised to Make a Comeback; Texas Will Be Ready

Thanks to Texas scientists, the United States has fought this threat before, and won.

Story by Eva Frederick
November 2025 issue

Javelinas Are Having a Moment

The collared peccary is gaining increasing interest from Texas hunters and researchers.

Story by Joseph Richards
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Recent in Wildlife Management Areas

January/February 2026 issue

East Texas Wildlife Management Area Is a Watery Wonderland

Angelina-Neches/Dam B straddles an area between two rivers.

Story by Russell Roe
December 2025 issue

Texas Offers Duck Hunting on Public Land

You can find wings over the wetlands at these Texas wildlife management areas.

Story by Eva Frederick
October 2025 issue

Dove Hunting Is Top-Notch at Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area

The South Texas site is best known for white-winged doves.

Story by Russell Roe
January/February 2025 issue

Blaze Your Own Trail at Black Gap Wildlife Management Area

Experience pure West Texas desert at its finest.

Story by Eva Frederick
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