Hendrix Ranch wildlifeThe Hendrix Ranch hosts a healthy and diverse wildlife community. The proximity of the ranch to other large, open, well-managed properties combined with the diversity of plant life and abundance of water provide the basis for this healthy community. One of main goals of land management at the ranch is further increasing the diversity of wildlife. Invasive plant removal benefits white-tailed deer, Northern Bobwhite, and Wild Turkey, as well as other grassland birds. The ranch also provides habitat for a beautiful endangered songbird, the Golden-cheeked Warbler. These migratory birds have been found occupying five territories located in the upland areas and along the river, during the spring and early summer.There are poisonous snakes on the ranch, including rattlesnakes and water moccasins. They are seldom seen, but as always, watch where you are going. Other wildlife issues at the Hendrix Ranch include the management of exotic predator populations (wild hogs and red imported fire ants). Watch out for these creatures. The wild hogs in particular cause lots of damage to native habitat and breed abundantly. You may notice some of the large cage traps around the property for catching hogs. The wild hogs are a cross between European boar, brought to Texas originally for sport hunting purposes, and domesticated swine, pigs that have escaped or been abandoned and gone feral. A similar looking creature to the wild hogs is the smaller (and friendlier looking) javelina, which is native to the area. There are fish in the Pedernales River suitable for sport fishing, including catfish. ranch.hendrixweb.com phendrix at fas.harvard.edu |