State Wildlife Action Plan

A State of Diverse Lands, Waters, and Wildlife

Texas is an extremely diverse state with 10 distinct ecoregions ranging from desert in the western portion of the state to the dense forests of the east. Texas is second only to California in terms of its biodiversity. Texas has the highest number of birds and reptiles and the second highest number of plants and mammals in the United States. There are 22 major river basins in the state that all eventually flow into the nine major bays and estuaries along the Texas coast.

Planning for Partnerships

Texas’ planning approach was developed around current and potential partnerships with multiple organizations. From local area governments and landowners to state agencies to conservation NGOs, the only viable option Texas habitats and species have is the work that is done through partnerships. These partnerships must accomplish management on the land, in the fresh water environs and in the bays and estuaries along the coast.  The Texas Action plan incorporated existing plans in order to facilitate the alignment of conservation of resources and initiatives for Texas.

Working With Private Landowners to Conserve Wildlife

As Texas is a state largely owned by private individuals, it is critical that programs aimed at conservation on private lands be maximized in order to effectively implement conservation. Programs such as the Landowner Incentive Plan and Farm Bill programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentive Program and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program act as effective tools for planning and implementing the goals of the Texas Wildlife Action Plan.

2008 Wildlife Diversity Conference

You are invited to participate in the 2008 Wildlife Diversity Conference, focusing on partnerships and implementation of the Texas Wildlife Action Plan. The Conference, co-sponsored by The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Houston Zoo, Inc., will be held January 17-19, 2008 at the Houston Zoo’s Brown Education Center, Houston, TX.  For more information and to register, visit http://www.houstonzoo.org/twdc2008/. 

• Download the Texas Wildlife Action Plan

  (via TPWD)
• Summary of Texas Wildlife Action Plan (.pdf, 288 KB)
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Wildlife Action Plan Web Site