Wildlife & Conservation
A Great Texas Birding Classic Team Tallies Hundreds of Species on a Trek From Big Bend to the Coast
The annual competition challenges participants to find as many species as possible.
Third Annual Bird Bingo Contest Begins
The game soared to new heights in 2025 with more than 2,500 birds spotted.
- Vireos Occupy a Special Place in the Texas Bird Landscape Story by Sneed B. Collard III
- Upper Texas Coast Provides Vital Resting Spots for Migrating Birds Story by Denise Viosca Gary
- Protecting the Swift Fox, Texas’ Tiniest Fox Story by Eva Frederick
Stick Bugs Are Masters of Disguise
These insects, which can grow up to seven inches long, survive by blending in.
East Texas Forest Management Aids Recovery of the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker
State forests monitor populations as birds continue comeback.
Matador Wildlife Management Area Protects a Rugged Piece of the Rolling Plains
Restored grassland habitat allows quail and other wildlife to flourish.
Recent in Birding
Young People Are Falling in Love With Birding
Bird-watching is an accessible and enjoyable way for youth to connect to nature.
Story and photos by Jessica Alexander
Third Annual Bird Bingo Contest Begins
The game soared to new heights in 2025 with more than 2,500 birds spotted.
Story by TPWD Staff
A Great Texas Birding Classic Team Tallies Hundreds of Species on a Trek From Big Bend to the Coast
The annual competition challenges participants to find as many species as possible.
Story by Jennifer Bristol
Upper Texas Coast Provides Vital Resting Spots for Migrating Birds
Coastal woodlots serve as lifesaving stations as birds make the long journey across the Gulf.
Story by Denise Viosca Gary
Vireos Occupy a Special Place in the Texas Bird Landscape
Black-capped vireos are the most well-known, but others deserve recognition as well.
Story by Sneed B. Collard IIIRecent in Critters
Laughing Gulls Make Their Presence Known All Along the Texas Coast
Their ha-ha-ha chortles sound like birdy laughter.
Story by Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
Stick Bugs Are Masters of Disguise
These insects, which can grow up to seven inches long, survive by blending in.
Story by Pam LeBlanc
Snowberry Clearwing Moths Masquerade As Bumblebees To Deter Predators
These chunky moths are harmless — and helpful pollinators.
Story by Denise Viosca Gary
Black-Tailed Jackrabbits Use Their Speed to Escape
Long ears and long legs give jackrabbits their distinctive look.
Story by Melissa Gaskill
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 GaskillRecent in Plants
Poison Ivy: Here’s What You Need to Know
If it has leaves of three, let it be!
Story by Melissa Gaskill
New App Helps Texans Grow Native Plants
Wild Thumb helps Texans choose the right native plants for their location.
Story by Lydia Saldaña
This Collection of Plants Helps Scientists Understand how Texas has Changed Over Time
The plant collection resides at Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Swanflowers Serve as Hosts to Pipevine Swallowtails
Inconspicuous plant sports an orchid-like bloom; butterflies feast on it.
Story by Texas Parks and Wildlife
Seeds of Knowledge: Female Pioneers of Texas Botany
Ynes Mexia was a plant collector and explorer; Maude Young was state botanist and textbook author.
Story by Louie BondRecent in Land Stewardship
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
From Mortgage Banker to Wildlife Technician
How one man made a radical career change.
Story by Texas Parks and Wildlife
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
Pecos River's Forgotten Reach Gets Some Attention
A nonprofit group and partners pursue conservation efforts in an area hit by overpumping, drought.
Story by Morgan O'HanlonRecent 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
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 Saldaña
Land Acquired in East, West Texas for Wildlife Management Areas
The new WMA properties lie along two of Texas' most storied rivers — the Trinity and the Rio Grande.
Story by TPWD StaffRecent in Science
Paddlefish Project Paying Off
East Texans may no longer find themselves up a creek (or river) without a paddlefish.
Story by Eva Frederick
The Great Texas Tortoise Turn-In
Texas Parks and Wildlife is preparing to release 180 captive Texas tortoises into the wild.
Story by Eva Frederick
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 JacksonRecent in Wildlife Management Areas
Cooper Wildlife Management Area Works to Restore Its Native Grassland
Biologists use prescribed burns and native seed plantings in prairie restoration.
Story by Russell Roe
Matador Wildlife Management Area Protects a Rugged Piece of the Rolling Plains
Restored grassland habitat allows quail and other wildlife to flourish.
Story by Brandon Weaver
Old Sabine Bottom Is a Hunter’s Secret That Welcomes Hikers, Birders and More
Wildlife management area features rich river bottomlands habitat.
Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
Wildlife Management Areas Offer 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