Wildlife & Conservation
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.
Gulf Waypoints Serve as Crucial Stop for Migrating Birds
Hummingbirds fuel up before making their perilous crossing of the Gulf.
- How Do Fish Swim? Story by Eva Frederick
- Paper Wasps Create Thriving Societies and Deserve Your Respect Story by Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
- A Nature Photographer's Advice on Capturing the Wild Story and photos by Russell A. Graves
Mapping the Secret Lives of Texas Birds and Bats
A tracking system called Motus provides a glimpse into the movements of migrating creatures.
Citizen Scientists Are an Essential Part of Research in Texas
Community members collect valuable data on Texas plants and animals.
Novice Game Warden Experienced TV-Worthy Adventures in a Remote Texas Outpost
Texas lawman served in rugged Guadalupe Mountains in the 1960s.
Recent in Birding
Bird Blinds of the State Parks
These structures bring birds up close for visitors of all abilities.
Story by Melissa Gaskill
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
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
Ask A Grackle: Why Are Grackles So Darn Loud?
The Grackle tells the legend of its shrill, grating voice.
Story by The Grackle
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 SwansonRecent in Critters
Mountain Lions Rule West Texas' Rocky Ranges
These big cats have managed to hang on in Texas despite challenges.
Story by Emily Gibson
Suckermouth Catfish: Armored and Dangerous
Dumped from home aquariums, these fish are unwelcome 'guests' who never leave.
Story by Louie Bond
Giant Redheaded Centipedes Are the Stuff of Nightmares
This insect is one of Texas' most terrifying critters.
Story by Ben Hutchins
Texas Skunks: The Big Stink
Researchers delve into the marvelous, malodorous world of Texas skunks.
Story by Russell Roe
Red Wolves Aren't Gone — They're Mixed With Coyotes on Galveston Island
Red wolf/coyote hybrids cause a stir in Galveston and the wildlife world.
Story by Russell A. GravesRecent in Plants
Yaupon Holly and Possumhaw Brighten the Winter Landscape
Red berries from the small trees feed birds and mammals.
Story by Texas Parks and Wildlife
Swanflowers Serve as Hosts to Pipevine Swallowtails
Inconspicuous plant sports an orchid-like bloom; butterflies feast on it.
Story by Texas Parks and Wildlife
Water Hyacinth Is Pretty, Purple and a Pest
The lovely blooms of the water hyacinth can turn a waterway into a tangled mess.
Story by Dyanne Fry Cortez
Native Texas Fruits Make a Tasty Harvest for Pies, Jellies
Use Texas’ bounty of native fruits for something good to eat and a connection to the outdoors.
Story by Dyanne Fry Cortez
This Collection of Plants Helps Scientists Understand how Texas has Changed Over Time
The plant collection resides at Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Recent in Land Stewardship
Repairing Mother Nature: J. David Bamberger
Leopold Conservation Award Winner turns ‘worst ranch in Texas’ into conservation showcase
Story by Tom Harvey
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
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
Seminole Canyon Pictographs Reveal Clues to an Ancient Culture
Experts call the rock imagery "the oldest library in North America."
Story by Russell Roe
From Mortgage Banker to Wildlife Technician
How one man made a radical career change.
Story by Texas Parks and WildlifeRecent in Conservation
Meet the Barton Springs Salamander, an Aquatic Austinite
This red-gilled resident dwells in the heart of the city.
Story by Gwendolyn Reed
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
Meet the Critters of Texas State Parks
Our public lands are where the wild things are.
Story by Susan Griswold
Conservation License Plates Support Wildlife, Parks
Program marks 25 years of conservation on Texas roads.
Story by Tenley Jackson
Disease Leads to a Critical Crossroads For Texas Bighorn
TPWD and partners focus on fighting a deadly disease affecting the sheep.
Story by Lydia SaldañaRecent in Science
How Do Fish Swim?
Fish make it look so easy, but the science behind swimming is complex and fascinating.
Story by Eva Frederick
Citizen Scientists Are an Essential Part of Research in Texas
Community members collect valuable data on Texas plants and animals.
Story by Eva Frederick
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
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
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 FrederickRecent in Wildlife Management Areas
Wildlife Management Areas Offer Opportunities for Public Hunting for Turkey
For spring turkey season, these spots are the land of the gobbler.
Story by Russell Roe
East Texas Wildlife Management Area Is a Watery Wonderland
Angelina-Neches/Dam B straddles an area between two rivers.
Story by Russell Roe
Texas Offers Duck Hunting on Public Land
You can find wings over the wetlands at these Texas wildlife management areas.
Story by Eva Frederick
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
Blaze Your Own Trail at Black Gap Wildlife Management Area
Experience pure West Texas desert at its finest.
Story by Eva Frederick