Texas by Nature

Species We Protect

Go deeper into the wild world of Texas−learn about the species and habitat that define our state.

An Attwater's prairie chickenA captive-bred Attwater's prairie chicken is prepared for release onto private lands within the Refugio-Goliad Prairie region. © Clay Carrington/The Nature Conservancy
Attwater's Prairie Chickens Survive Against All Odds

Birds once abundant on the Texas coast now struggle against extinction. Learn more

Female Black BearHunting and loss of habitat corridors have led to sharp declines in Texas' once abundant black bear populations. © Dan Neri
Iconic Black Bears Roam Texas Once More

Habitat conservation is leading to increased sightings in East Texas. Learn more

Guadalupe bassAlthough similar in appearance to the largemouth and spotted bass, the Guadalupe bass -- such as the one seen here in the Nueces River -- boasts unique characteristics, including a smaller jawline. © johnnyquiroz.com
Texas' State Fish Under Threat

Pure Guadalupe bass are becoming scarce in Texas waters. Learn more

Propeller scars cut across a seagrass meadowPropeller scars cut across a seagrass meadow, which provides shelter for sport fish. © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Gulf Seagrass Essential to Sport Fish

Boaters are asked to lift, drift, pole and troll. Learn more

Leon Springs pupfishThe Leon Springs Pupfish, a small fish found only in Pecos County, Texas. © John Karges/The Nature Conservancy
The Last Stand of the Leon Springs Pupfish

This small but significant fish survives at one remaining location in West Texas. Learn more

Lesser Prairie ChickenThe prairie chicken played an integral role in the societies of some Plains Indian tribes. There are a number of recorded brave names involving the prairie chicken and some experts believe the bird’s distinct mating ritual inspired Sioux ritual dances. © Gerard Bertrand
Saving the Lesser Prairie Chicken

Yoakum Dunes Preserve in Texas High Plains protects part of the remaining population. Learn more

Monarch butterflyThe distinctive black and orange pattern on a monarch's wings makes the insect stand out in just about any habitat type. © Kristen Bradley/Flickr CC
Beautiful Monarch Butterflies Float Through Texas Skies

Half of North America's monarchs move through Texas during annual southern migration to Mexico. Learn more

OcelotThe beautiful, distinctive fur of the ocelot has led in large part to the species' disappearance, as hunters once killed hundreds of thousands of cats for hides. © The Nature Conservancy/Lynn McBride
Ocelots: America's Rarest Cats

The last of these spectral cats stalk a vanishing Texas landscape. Learn more

Peregrine FalconAn adult, banded peregrine falcon in West Texas. © Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Peregrine Falcons

The Gulf Coast offers a critical staging area for the formerly endangered falcons. Learn more

Red-cockaded woodpeckerA red-cockaded woodpecker prepares to drill. © Malcolm Swan
The Plight of the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

This vanishing bird is dependent on vanishing habitat. Learn more

Whooping CraneWith a wingspan that can reach reach seven and a half feet, the whooping crane is a marvel to behold. © Kendal Larsen/The Nature Conservancy
Must-See Texas Migrations

Spring means the annual pageant of migrating animals is under way in Texas. Learn more

Cagle's map turtleThe distinctive shell pattern of the Cagle's map turtle is visible as it swims through clear water. © Michael T. Jones/Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.
Cagle's Map Turtle

This once-common turtle is being pushed from its historic habitat in Texas. Learn more

Pecos SunflowersThe Pecos sunflower can reach six feet in height. © John Karges/The Nature Conservancy
Pecos Sunflowers Add Beauty to the Desert

Endangered flowers paint West Texas landscapes in golden hues. Learn more

Rio Grande TurkeyA Rio Grande turkey in its native habitat. © Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area
The Rio Grande Turkey

Thanksgiving is a fine time to consider Texas' native gobbler. Learn more

Prop scarringExtensive prop scarring is visible along the Texas coast. © Erika Nortemann/The Nature Conservancy
Redfish, Green Grass

A Symbiotic relationship between grass and fish benefits marine life. Learn more

Texas Trailing PhloxThe bright pink bloom of the Texas trailing phlox. © Harold E. Malde
Texas Trailing Phlox

This hardy East Texas plant is a true native. Learn more

Texas snowbellThe white, bell-shaped flowers of the Texas snowbell hang down and give the tree its distinctive name. © The Nature Conservancy
Texas Snowbell Hangs on the Brink of Extinction

Dolan Falls Preserve is of critical importance to the conservation of this rare plant. Learn more

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Photo Special Features TabLion in Maasai Mara, Kenya, Africa. © Kenneth K. Coe

Close Encounters with Nature

Whether scary or exciting, nature has a way of sneaking up on you. See stories

Arden OConnor 215x143Arden O’Connor. © Lajla LeBlanc

Nature Matters

Hear some of nature's success stories and see how nature matters to us all. Watch videos

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