WildlifeConservation

by Kristi Birdsong

Conservation is the protection, preservation, management, or restoration of wildlife and of natural resources

such as forests, soil, and water.

The goal of wildlife conservation is to ensure that nature will be around for future generations to enjoy, and to recognize the

importance of wildlife and wilderness lands to humans.

Establishing protected territories for animals is necessary to save wildlife

and their natural habitat.

Habitat is an animal’s home. There must be food, water, and shelter for the animal to survive.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is 25 miles north of Lawton and provides

a habitat for many animals.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Madill

American Bison

The American Bison is the largest existing land mammal in North America. The Bison bulls can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds and have heavy horns and a large hump of muscle which supports their enormous head and thick skull. They have a thick mass of fur on their heads and a heavy cape of fur even in the summer. The bison cows weigh about half as much as the bulls. Bison are a keystone species of the Great Plains.

Keystone SpeciesA species that has a major

influence on the structure of an ecosystem.

Texas Longhorn

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge works to protect a herd of Texas Longhorn for present and future generations to study and enjoy.

Elk

After being gone from the Wichitas for 80 years Elk were reintroduced and now

there are approximately 800.

White-tailed Deer

The present day white-tailed deer of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge are from original native stock that survived the early settlement years of exploitation and over-hunting.

Black-Tailed Prairie DogPrairie dogs are small, stout ground squirrels. The total length of an adult black-tailed prairie dog is approximately 14-17 inches. The weight of an individual ranges from 1 to 3 pounds. Individual appearances within the species vary in mixed colors of brown, black, gray, and white. The black-tipped tail is characteristic. Black-tailed prairie dogs are burrowing animals.

What are some things humans do that put wildlife at

risk?