Mammals of the State of Texas

The state of Texas is home to a wide variety of mammal species, many of which are endangered. A visit to this extraordinary state is sure to yield a sighting of at least one of the many species of mammal that call this state their home. This article, the first in a series, will detail some of the most endangered and rare species of mammal in Texas.

Ocelot

This beautiful feline, which is about the size of a bobcat, is one of the rarer species of mammal that currently live in Texas. Their stripes and spots set them apart as a very beautiful animal. They are currently found in the southern regions of the state, especially in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and the Rio Grande Plains. However, it should be noted that a great deal of their habitat has been reduced due to the encroachment of humans into their homes as well as the conversion of their habitat into lands for agriculture. A number of organizations, as well as concerned individuals, are currently working together to both research this rare species as well as generate appropriate habitat.

Louisiana Black Bear

This bear, which is one of the recognized subspecies of the American Black Bear, can weigh as much as 300 to 400 pounds. They were once quite wide-spread in the state of Texas. However, due to human and environmental pressures they were almost exterminated from the state, though there are still sightings throughout the eastern part of the state (they are far more common in the state of Louisiana). They are typically found in forested places that provide a variety of food sources and water, and they typically prefer isolated areas. Although their range has been significantly reduced, a number of state and federal organizations have undertaken efforts to reproduce habitable areas in the hope of rejuvenating this rare species.

Jaguarundi

This animal, which is a species of cat slightly larger than the average domestic housecat, comes in several colors including black, reddish-brown, and brownish-gray. Although not a great deal of information is known about this rare and beautiful species, it is thought that they prefer the shrublands that occur in the Rio Grande Valley (and they seem to prefer a similar set of habitats as the ocelot). Although not a great deal is known about their presence or habits in Texas, a number of research is currently being undertaken in the northern parts of Mexico, which will help us to understand this magnificent creature.

Although a number of rare and beautiful animals have been extirpated from Texas in the last century (including the jaguar and the gray wolf), with a growing awareness of the importance of nature it can be hoped that a number of this wonderful animals will once more find a home in the Lone Star State.

Sources

All information in this article obtained from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.