Discovering Populations, Documenting Change
Texas Nature Trackers (TNT), part of the Wildlife Diversity Program, tracks the status of wild populations of plants and animals throughout Texas.
Participating in TNT projects is a great way to learn more about the biodiversity of the state and contribute to Texas Parks and Wildlife’s research and conservation efforts.
TNT Projects are how we compile and curate data in the Texas Nature Trackers Program. Our projects are critical to understanding the distribution and seasonality of plants and animals in Texas, and how both are changing over time. While our highest priority is to document Target Species, we are compiling data on common species as well. Today’s common species may become the high priority species of tomorrow, and your observations today will provide the baseline for future generations of naturalists.
There are many ways to participate in the Texas Nature Trackers Program depending on your interests and where you live.
Here are the best ways to engage:
Attend a TNT workshop
TNT staff give presentations and workshops throughout the state. During our workshops we provide opportunities to learn techniques in the field from experts on how to detect and identify species.
Learn your Target Species
Target Species are our highest priority for research and you can help us by locating populations. Learn what the Target species are for your ecoregion, study their habitats and range, and see if you can rediscover a lost population.
Compile a missing Species Report
Conduct your own research on what is missing in your county. Take a species group like plants or reptiles and look up what has been documented in the past. Compare that with what has been documented in the last ten or twenty years. What is missing? Can you document a missing species? Can you see a pattern? Present your findings to your local naturalist group.
Monitor a Population
for Species of Greatest Conservation Need, we track data on the status of each population. If there is a population of a high priority species in your area, you can apply to monitor the population. A monitoring project requires a TPWD advisor and a commitment of at least two years. Here is an application to participate. If approved, you will receive training on how to collect data on that species from out biologist.
Projects
https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diversity/texas_nature_trackers/projects/
Target Species
https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diversity/texas_nature_trackers/target_species/
Get Involved
https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diversity/texas_nature_trackers/get_involved.phtml