Texas is one of the most biologically diverse states in our nation, second only to California in this regard. The Lone Star State boasts the greatest number of bird and reptile species and the second highest number of mammals. Of approximately 6,000 different kinds of native plants, at least 425 are endemic – found nowhere else in the world.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is responsible for ensuring the survival of these species and recently released its Texas Wildlife Action Plan: 2005-2010 as a comprehensive conservation strategy. Several Houston Zoo staff members helped to develop this document and we continue to work closely with TPWD to implement its recommended actions. Altogether, the strategy identifies 15 priorities statewide including biological inventories, protecting wetlands, developing partnerships, and increasing support for conservation on private lands.
The Houston Zoo’s role in tackling these objectives is modest but expanding. Currently, the Zoo is involved in the following wildlife conservation projects here in Texas:
Please visit any of these projects and learn what you can do to help save native Texas wildlife.
