Wildlife & Conservation
Stick Bugs Are Masters of Disguise
These insects, which can grow up to seven inches long, survive by blending in.
Poison Ivy: Here’s What You Need to Know
If it has leaves of three, let it be!
- Protecting the Swift Fox, Texas’ Tiniest Fox Story by Eva Frederick
- Third Annual Bird Bingo Contest Begins Story by TPWD Staff
- Old Sabine Bottom Is a Hunter’s Secret That Welcomes Hikers, Birders and More Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
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.
The Great Texas Tortoise Turn-In
Texas Parks and Wildlife is preparing to release 180 captive Texas tortoises into the wild.
Recent in Birding
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 III
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 FrederickRecent in Critters
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 Gaskill
An Ant That’s Not an Ant
Velvet ants are wasps that pack a powerful sting.
Story by Katie PotterRecent 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
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
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
Citizen Scientists Are an Essential Part of Research in Texas
Community members collect valuable data on Texas plants and animals.
Story by Eva Frederick
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'HanlonRecent in Wildlife Management Areas
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
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