Stories from - TEXAS
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Conservation Plan Keeps Edwards Aquifer Flowing
For Texans suffering through the seventh straight year of drought, the summer of 1956 seemed especially brutal ... Read More
Stories from - TEXAS
View All StoriesTaking Pride in Conservation Landowners Restore Rare Species in Texas
Is it possible to protect endangered species in Texas, a state where 95 percent of the land is privately owned? Increasingly, Texas landowners are saying ... Read More
Featured Species in Texas
Whooping crane
The whooping crane is one of the most, if not the most, endangered birds in North America. A combination of hunting and habitat loss nearly drove the species to extinction in the 1940s. Thanks to the hard work of federal, state, and nongovernmental groups, there are now about 250 whooping cranes living in the wild and another 150 whoopers in captivity. More »
Whooping crane
Photo credit: USFWS
Southwestern willow flycatcher
Because of river flow reductions and habitat alteration and loss, the southwestern willow flycatcher teeters on the brink of extinction.
Southwestern willow flycatcher
Photo credit: Jim Rorabaugh, USFWS
Swallow-tailed kite
The rare swallow-tailed kite is considered one of the most threatened land birds currently without federal protection.
Swallow-tailed kite
Photo credit: Todd Schneider, GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division
Houston toad
Habitat loss and alteration are the most serious threats facing the Houston toad. Alteration of ephemeral and permanent natural wetlands for urban and agricultural uses eliminates breeding sites. Draining a wetland, or converting an ephemeral wetland to a permanent pond, can eventually cause the Houston toad to decline or be eliminated entirely. More »
Houston toad
Photo credit: Paige Najvar, USFWS
Partnership Stories in Texas
Nature Report: Rare Ocelot
The ocelot is one of the most critically endangered species in the United States. This three part video series follows biologists as they work to save this secretive cat.
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Unique to Texas
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The Tobusch fishhook cactus (Ancistrocactus tobuschii) gets its unique name from the spines that are hooked at the tip, like a fishhook. This beautiful small, round cactus grows in limestone soils in the eastern part of the Edwards Plateau. Habitat alteration, livestock trampling, over-collecting and development are the reasons for its decline.
Photo credit: Chris Best, USFWS -
The Texas blind salamander (Typhlomolge rathbuni) was one of the first species ever listed for endangered species protection. It is very rare, and dwells underwater in caves near San Marcos. It is called the blind salamander as it has no eyes, just two black dots under its skin. Water pollution and habitat degradation are the reasons for its decline.
Photo credit: Gary Nafis
