Special Feature: Texas Horned Lizard |
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Video credit: Richard Moore, Valley Nature Films, LLC |
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The sixth in our series celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Laguna Atascosa introduces us to the Texas horned lizard. These reptiles became the (first) state reptile in 1993. They are a threatened species due to loss of habitat and through the use of insecticides (which kill their primary food sources).
Learn more about the horned lizard from these resources:
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If you would like to see more videos, head over to our website and check out the Gallery.
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Ocelots are...Everywhere? |
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Of course not! But fans of ocelots can be found all over the world. This popular cat CAN be found at Laguna Atascosa in the wild and, if you are really lucky, you might see one. Otherwise, the best chance to see one is at a zoo or wildlife center.
This month, our road trip to find ocelots takes us to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Ocelots are occasionally found in Arizona but the best place to actually see one is at the Museum (which is an awesome place). Ms. Elena, Social Media and Marketing Specialist, provided us with this article:
The Desert Museum has been involved in the conservation of one of the United States’ most elusive rare cats, the ocelot, for several decades, through participation in the AZA’s Ocelot Species Survival Plan. Most recently, in April 2019, we celebrated the exciting birth of a new ocelot kitten born to parents chosen for their Brazilian lineage. This birth was the result of the Museum staff’s expert animal husbandry knowledge, innovative breeding technologies, and the dedication and collaboration of conservation scientists, veterinarians, and animal care staff across institutions. The kitten was named Miss Ida Zigglebaum by a Desert Museum member and has been delighting our social media fans ever since! Currently, the Museum cares for three ocelots: Miss Ida, who will be heading to Palm Beach Zoo, a young female who is on exhibit, and a breeding male off exhibit. If you find yourself in beautiful southern Arizona, we invite you to visit the Desert Museum to learn more about these camouflaged cats!
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Above photo credit: Evelyn Harrison
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Center photos: Miss Ida at 6 weeks, 7 months, and almost grown.
Photo above and right are of
the ocelot on display at museum.
Photos provided by Museum staff.
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If your organization or zoo wants to be featured in a future newsletter, just send us an email (sorry, no businesses). |
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Bonus Download:
Bordercats
Felinos de la Frontera
Our friends over at Defenders of Wildlife have developed this awesome activity book about the cats along the southern border of Texas.
Download your free copy today! Just click on the button or the book.
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15 Ways to Protect Endangered Species |
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How can you help protect endangered species? Here's a list from the Endangered Species Coalition for ideas that most of us can easily implement.
We would like to emphasize that exotic or non-native plants and animals can often out-compete our native plants and animals for food and resources, so please reconsider those choices. Plant with purpose (food, pollen, nectar and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife). A great resource for many areas of the country: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
When visiting any of the wildlife areas, nature trails, or parks, please keep on designated trails and avoid approaching close to any wildlife or nesting birds. Many animals can be come very protective of their young and some may even abandon young if people are too intrusive.
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Help Friends Support Laguna Atascosa!
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Save Texas Ocelots License Plate
The last remaining ocelots in the United States are found only in Texas. You can help save these beautiful endangered cats and help spread the word about protecting Texas Ocelots by buying this specialty license plate for your vehicle for only $30.00 additional. Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge receives $22.00 from the sale of every Save Texas Ocelots license plate, 100% of which goes to Ocelot Conservation. Buy now.
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Click on the above to shop our AmazonSmile Charity List. Thank you! |
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Adopt an Ocelot
Ocelots need your help. You can Adopt an Ocelot to help our population of endangered cats survive and thrive in South Texas. Adopt Now. |
Become an Advocate Member
Advocate Membership is one way to support the Refuge. Joining gives you a voice in helping Friends raise awareness and funds for restoration, conservation, education, outreach and research. Click here for more information and to join. |
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Shop Online @ The Nature Store at Laguna Atascosa |
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The Nature Store @ Laguna Atascosa is one source of funds for projects the Friends support at the Refuge. Shopping here keeps your dollars local and you can rest assured that funds are put to good use supporting many projects on this wonderful Refuge.
The online store includes a selection of LANWR items, such as t-shirts, caps, pins, including our newly designed Ocelot, Aplomado Falcon and Green Jay Pins and more. Other items, not listed in the online store, such as field guides and books, are also available, just send an email.
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Order yours now! $30 plus tax/shipping.
Add the DVD, Laguna Atascosa: A South Texas Treasure for $5 more.
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The Friends of Laguna Atascosa are proud to announce the publication of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge: A Place Like No Other.
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Send us a picture of you wearing Laguna swag! We just might feature you in our newsletter or on the store website! All photos become property of FLANWR.
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Laguna Atascosa
National Wildlife Refuge
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22688 Buena Vista Rd.
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
956-244-2019
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Refuge remains open daily,
sunrise-sunset
Visitor's Center is closed
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Agents of Discovery
Explore the refuge with Agents of Discovery. Click on the image to learn about Agents and the missions. Fun for the whole family!
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