NONGAME SPECIES
Statement
Texas is a large and diverse state, and that applies equally to the animals that
live here. Texas is home to more species of birds and reptiles than any other state,
and second only to California in the number of mammals. However, of the estimated
1,245 vertebrate species found in Texas, only a few dozen are classified as game
animals (deer, dove, ducks, etc), fur-bearers (beaver, fox, skunks, etc) or game/commercial
fish (bass, catfish, redfish, etc). All the rest are considered to be nongame species,
though this group also includes threatened and endangered species. About 213 of
these animal species are found only in Texas.
Thousands of nongame species are common enough that they are afforded little protection
(e.g., rattlesnakes, coyotes). However, taking any nongame species from public lands
or waters and using them for commercial purposes (sale, barter, exchange) is illegal.
If they are not removed from public lands or waters, most species of nongame can
be sold, traded, etc., if the appropriate permits are obtained from Texas Parks
and Wildlife and all regulations are followed.
Threatened and endangered species are those that are rare enough to cause concern
that they may become extinct. Many of them have become rarer as a result of habitat
loss and fragmentation and through competition with introduced species. Threatened
and endangered species may be listed at either the Federal (e.g., black-capped vireo,
golden-cheeked warbler, ocelot) or State level (Texas Kangaroo Rat, Texas Horned
Lizard, Texas Tortoise). These species may not be taken, possessed or transported
without special permits from Texas and/or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There
are about 57 endangered vertebrate species in Texas, and about 72 threatened species.
So called “non-consumptive” wildlife users, such as birders, are the fastest growing
group of outdoor enthusiasts. Like deer and quail hunters, these people often pay
for the privilege of pursuing their outdoor passions, with wildlife viewing generating
about $1.5 billion in Texas each year. Landowners throughout the state have the
opportunity to protect the biodiversity of Texas and increase the annual revenue
from their property by providing for the needs of nongame wildlife species.
Current Projects
Texas is a large and diverse state, and that applies equally to the animals that
live here. Texas is home to more species of birds and reptiles than any other state,
and second only to California in the number of mammals. However, of the estimated
1,245 vertebrate species found in Texas, only a few dozen are classified as game
animals (deer, dove, ducks, etc), fur-bearers (beaver, fox, skunks, etc) or game/commercial
fish (bass, catfish, redfish, etc). All the rest are considered to be nongame species,
though this group also includes threatened and endangered species. About 213 of
these animal species are found only in Texas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the best way to manage for nongame species?
A. While some of these animals have very specific habitat requirements
that necessitate specific management, most of them just require an area of suitable
natural surroundings. The best way to manage for several species at one time is
to maintain suitable areas of significant size and to allow natural processes to
take place. Natural habitats are “patchy” because of differences in soils, rainfall
and past disturbances like grazing, fire and floods. Either allowing these processes
to take place, or simulating them through active management, will ensure that all
of these species can find the habitat that they need somewhere on the landscape.
Q. Are human activities causing all of these animals to become less common?
A. Habitat loss and fragmentation is probably the leading cause
of animal extinction, and we are responsible for most of it. However, some species
are habitat generalists and can actually benefit when large tracts of a single habitat
type are broken up into smaller pieces of different habitat types. While this sometimes
benefits these species it can be a problem for many others. It can be a problem
for humans too, when our management (e.g., landscaping) invites some of these generalist
species, like coyotes, into our backyard!