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.

Website

• RAMSES: Research and Management System for Endangered Species
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department nongame regulations
• Texas AgriLife Extension Bookstore
  • Partial listing of Extension publications available from the bookstore:
  • L-5193: Texas Wild: Common Snakes of Texas
  • L-5209: Texas Wild: Waterfowl
  • L-5325: Texas Wild: Wading Birds
  • L-5508: After the Conservation Reserve Program: Land Management with Wildlife in Mind
  • SP-109: Wildlife Success Stories and Endangered Species (CD)
  • SP-259: City Critters (CD)

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!