1 / 33

MAMMALS OF TEXAS

Discover the diverse range of mammals found in Texas, including opossums, bats, armadillos, rabbits, rodents, and more. Learn about their characteristics, habitats, and behavior.

thomastimothy
Download Presentation

MAMMALS OF TEXAS

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. MAMMALS OF TEXAS Diana Foss Urban Wildlife Biologist 281-456-7029 ext. 21 Diana.foss@tpwd.texas.gov

  2. TEXAS Official ‘state flying mammal’ Official ‘state large mammal’ Official ‘state small mammal’

  3. Mammals in Texas ORDERGeneraSpecies Didelphimorphia (opossum) 1 1 Insectivora (shrews & moles) 4 5 Chiroptera (bats) 16 32 Xenarthra (armadillo) 1 1 Lagomorpha (hares & rabbits) 2 4 Rodentia (rodents) 28 68 Carnivora (carnivores) 16 28 Pinnipedia (seals) 1 1 Artiodactyla (ungulates) 10 14 Sirenia (manatees) 1 1 Cetacea (whales & dolphins) 17 26 TOTALS 97 181

  4. Classification • Kingdom Animalia • Phylum Chordata • Subphylum Vertebrata • Class Mammalia • Order ______ • Family ______ • Genus • Species

  5. General Mammalian CharacteristicsClass Mammalia • Hair • Skin with sweat, scent, sebaceous, and mammary glands • Mouth with teeth • Movable eyelids & fleshy external ears • Four-chambered heart • Respiration system with lungs, larynx, diaphragm • Brain highly developed • Able to regulate body temperature internally • Internal fertilization • Young nourished by milk from mammary glands

  6. ½” long Virginia OpossumDidelphis virginiana Order Didelphimorphia; Only NA Marsupial; Nocturnal SIZE: body length 13-20”; tail length 9-15”; Weight 4-15 lbs. RANGE: all Texas except Trans-Pecos DIET: 50 teeth; worms, insects, eggs, grain, fruit, nuts, reptiles, frogs, birds, vegetables, garbage, carrion REPROD: 2 litters/yr; 6-20 kits born blind & hairless after gestation of 2 weeks; nurse for 8 weeks, ride on back for 4 weeks, fully independent at 12 weeks; BEHAVIOR: ‘play possum’; prehensile tail; marsupium

  7. Order Xenarthra:Armadillos, Sloths, Anteaters Nine-Banded Armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus Nocturnal, but can be crepuscular & diurnal SIZE: Body 15-17”; Tail 13-15”; Weight 8-17 lbs. RANGE: all Texas except Trans-Pecos and Panhandle DIET: insects, slugs/worms, frogs, eggs, mice, snakes, berries, vegetation, carrion; smell worms 8” underground REPROD: 1 litter/yr – quadruplets born in Feb – Mar; gestation 120 days; skin soft at birth NOTES: hold breath up to 6 minutes; can gulp air to float & swim; roll into “ball” for defense

  8. Order Rodentia: Rodents • Worldwide = 1,686 rodent species • Texas = 64 native rodent species • Mice, rats, squirrels, gophers, porcupine, beaver • Incisors grow continuously through life • Most eat vegetation, but few feed on animal matter • Some hibernate, such as ground squirrels

  9. Southern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volans Nocturnal – large eyes HABITAT: deciduous forests in East Texas; mature forests; live in canopy at highest levels SIZE: body 9 inches long DIET: nuts, seeds, fruit, flowers, some insects and bird eggs; will cache nuts in cavities for future REPRO: 2 litters/yr; 3 (to 7) pups; weaned at 5 weeks; Nest in snags, tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, artificial nest boxes; Often use nest boxes when habitat is becoming too fragmented; Nest lined with Shredded bark, moss, lichen, leaves, feathers NOTES: use patagium to glide (NOT fly); Do not hibernate

  10. Black-tailed Prairie DogCynomys ludovicianus Diurnal; prairies, grasslands RANGE: west of Balcones Escarpment, Panhandle, Trans-Pecos DIET: vegetation, primarily low-growing weeds and grasses REPRO: 1 litter/yr; 4-5 young born March/Apr; blind & hairless at birth, first appear above ground at 6 weeks age; sexual maturity reached 2nd year NOTES: extensive social structure; Multi-room burrow system provide homes to Many other animals, including black-footed ferret; actually help prairie plants regenerate

  11. PorcupineErethizon dorsatum Nocturnal SIZE: body 18-23”; tail 6-12”; weight 10-28 lbs. HABITAT: woodlands, ridges, rocky areas all over Texas DIET: clover, grass, seeds, grain, leaves, evergreen needles, aquatic plants, acorns, bark, twigs REPROD: single pup born with eyes open & dark fur with soft 1” quills Apr/May after 7 month gestation; fully independent at 5 months NOTES: adult has 30,000 quills – does NOT shoot quills; drags tail; makes whiny whimper & grunt sound

  12. BeaverCastor canadensis Nocturnal, sometimes crepuscular SIZE: body 27-35”; tail 15”long, 7” wide; weight 28-75 lbs. RANGE: all Texas, primarily east and along river systems DIET: leaves, buds, twigs, fruit, ferns, water lily, ragweed, Bermuda grass, roots of aquatic plants, inner bark of trees REPRO: 1 litter/yr; 1-4 kits born with fur Apr/May after 100 day gestation; fully independent at 2 years NOTES: waterproof fur, webbed feet, goggle-like eyelids, nose & ear flaps; able to hold breath for 15 minutes

  13. Nutria Myocastor coypus Introduced from South America Nocturnal or crepuscular Adapted for aquatic life: Eyes, ears small Large, 5 toed webbed hind feet Four toes on front, no webbing Fur – soft underfur, covered with coarse outer fur Waterproofed via oil gland Skull stout, thick Teeth similar to beaver Tail long, rounded, not too hairy Primarily herbivorous Good diggers, build burrows in banks Often live in groups (parents & offspring)

  14. Order Carnivora: Carnivores • Worldwide = 238 species • Texas = 27 native species • “Flesh-eating,” although several may feed on vegetation during specific seasons • Ocelot, bobcat, black bear, otter, foxes, skunks, raccoon, coati, badger

  15. Striped SkunkMephitis mephitis Nocturnal, crepuscular SIZE: body 15”; tail 7-8”; wt 3-10 lbs. HABITAT: rocky areas with thick vegetation, open woodlands, usually near water; all over Texas DIET: small mammals, insects, reptiles, fruit, eggs, garbage, carrion, little vegetation REPRO: 3-7 kits born Apr-May blind, toothless; eyes open at 3 wks; weaned 8 wks, independent at 10 wks NOTES: track shows 5 toes across each foot; can squirt foul liquid from musk gland up to 15 feet (even 3 wk old can spray); before spraying, hisses & stomps feet & waves tail in warning

  16. RaccoonProcyon lotor Nocturnal SIZE: body 16-28”; tail 8-12”; weight 15-40 lbs. HABITAT: primarily woodlands, usually near water RANGE: all Texas DIET: nuts, berries, insects, crayfish/crustaceans, vegetables, grain, fruit, fish, frogs, birds, eggs, rodents, carrion, garbage REPRO: 1 litter/yr; 2-7 kits born Apr-Oct; light fur cover with faint mask and ringed tail; fully independent at 4-6 months NOTES: tracks look like hand-prints; excellent climber/swimmer; makes purring sound; highly adaptable and “urban generalist”; does help control feral cats

  17. Ringtail/ Cacomistles (Aztec)Bassariscus astutus Nocturnal Description: eyes ringed by dark brown, within buffy patches HABITAT: rocky outcroppings, canyons; variety of habitats RANGE: Statewide / Central Texas (not coastal or South TX DIET: Omnivorous; rodents, insects, birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, carrion; nuts, berries, and nectar REPRO: 1 litter/yr; 1-4 kits born Feb - May; light fur cover with faint mask and ringed tail; fully independent before 10 months NOTES: excellent climber; solitary except during breeding season; make many vocalizations, including high pitched scream; ‘miner’s cat’ – kept as mouser

  18. River OtterLutra canadensis Active any time, year-round; shy HABITAT: Usually swampy, riparian areas RANGE: Eastern half of Texas DIET: rough fish, crayfish, frogs, reptiles, insects, birds, small mammals REPRO: not as much known; 2 pups born in underground den (base of hollow tree or old beaver lodge, etc.); raised by female NOTES: Streamlined body, webbed toes & waterproof fur with oil; layer of fat beneath skin allows flexibility; playful – make slides on mud banks; Population in Texas bouncing back due to less fur trapping

  19. Mountain LionPuma concolor Nocturnal SIZE: body 6-8’; tail 2-3’; weight 75-200 lbs. HABITAT: mountains, canyons, swamps, forest, desert RANGE: southern & western Texas; 75-200 sq. miles DIET: large and small mammals REPRO: 1-4 cubs born blind with spotted fur; independent at 1.5 to 2 years; females give birth every other year NOTES: tracks have no claws showing; tail tipped with black; can reach speeds of 35 mph for short distance; prefers to ambush prey, kills by breaking neck

  20. BobcatLynx rufus Nocturnal, crepuscular SIZE: body 26-36”; tail 4-7”; weight 15-40 lbs HABITAT: variety; open country with shelter RANGE: all Texas DIET: rabbits, mice, ground squirrels, deer, birds, carrion REPRO: 2-7 kits born blind with spotted fur; eat meat at 4 wks; fully independent at 5 months NOTES: mostly gray fur during winter; leaves scratch marks on trees; can leap 7-10’ in single bound; excellent climbers; stores uneaten catch beneath vegetation

  21. Ocelot Leopordus pardalis Nocturnal; rest in tree branches during day SIZE: Adult 20-35 lbs; 16-20 in height HABITAT: Dense Thorn scrub brush; Native to So TX, Mexico, Central and South America Less than 50 free-ranging ocelots in TX – Federal & State ENDANGERED DIET: Rabbits, mice, rats, birds REPRODUCTION: 1 kitten/litter; leave mother at 2 years NOTES: Can turn ankle joints around to climb ‘down’ a tree; claws can retract; good climbers/swimmers; spot pattern unique to each individual

  22. JaguarundiPuma yagouaroundi cacomitli Diurnal/Crepuscular – more active during day Once ranged in Texas, last confirmed sighting in US was road-killed cat, April 1986 near Brownsville Federal & State endangered species - is recovery plan for Texas SIZE: slender body, with black, brown, red fur; 7-22 lbs.; flattened head; extra long tails (11-24 inches); short legs – 11 inches in height at shoulder HABITAT: Dense thorn scrub forests; bunchgrass fields; woody cover DIET: hunt on ground; birds, rabbits, reptiles, rodents; NOTES: reports that they are good swimmers;

  23. Red WolfCanis rufus Crepuscular Once ranged in Texas, especially around Houston area Extinct in wild in Texas; Federally endangered species Habitat loss & predator control programs decimated population; began inter-breeding with coyotes SIZE: body 48” long; 26” high at shoulder; weight 48-80 lbs. HABITAT: forests, swamps, prairies DIET: primarily rabbits, rodents, other small mammals, deer. insects,

  24. CoyoteCanis latrans Nocturnal, diurnal, or crepuscular in variety of habitat all over Texas SIZE: body 32-40”; tail 12-15”; weight 18-40 lbs. DIET: small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, frogs, deer, carrion; stores food under leaves/soil REPRO:1 litter/yr; 5-10 pups born Mar-June; eyes open 8-14 days; both adults feed regurgitated food; independent at 6-9 mths. NOTES: highly adaptable animal (generalist); tracks show claw marks; capable of running 30 mph; distinct howl with “yappy yelps”

  25. Gray FoxUrocyon cinereoargenteus Nocturnal, crepuscular SIZE: body 21-45”; tail 11-16”; weight 7-13 lbs. HABITAT: open woodlands, canyons, desert, urban areas RANGE: all Texas DIET: birds, eggs, rabbits, reptiles, berries, fruit, insects, crayfish REPRO: 1 litter/yr.; 3-7 pups born Feb-May; males helps care for young NOTES: tracks show claw marks; tail tipped in black; can easily climb trees; can reach speeds of 26-29 mph for short distances; does help control feral cat populations

  26. Red FoxVulpes vulpes Nocturnal, crepuscular Naturalized species – Introduced to TX 1895 HABITAT: open woodlands, savannahs RANGE: East to Central Texas DIET: rodents, rabbits, berries, fruit, insects REPRO: pair mate for life; 1 litter/yr.; 4-6 pups born Mar-Apr. ; both parents care for young; underground den Gray fox for comparison

  27. Order Artiodactyla: Hoofed Mammals • Worldwide = 192 species • Texas = 7 native species • Natives – big horn mountain sheep, bison, elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, collared peccary, pronghorn • Two or four toes on front foot; 3 toes on hind foot • Subdivided by chambers in stomach – 3 or 4 • Horns or antlers • Monocular vision

  28. White-tailed DeerOdocoileus virginianus Crepuscular SIZE: body 4-6’; tail 6-13”; wt 65-150 lbs. HABITAT: wide variety; likes river bottoms RANGE: all Texas DIET: vegetation – acorns, grain, legumes, shrubs, trees, forbs, grapes, catbriars, fruit REPRO: 1-2 fawns born with white spots Apr-July after 7 month gestation; spots remain 3-4 months; males independent at 1 yr, females at 2 yrs; leave fawns in place - odorless NOTES: can run 35-40 mph; during breeding season, males have antlers, NOT horns;

  29. Collared Peccary/ JavelinaPecari tajacu Nocturnal, crepuscular SIZE: body 29-39”; tail 2”; weight 35-60 lbs. HABITAT: desert, arid woodlands, scrub range RANGE: southern and southwestern Texas DIET: flowers, fruit, nuts, cacti, bulbs, roots, grubs, reptiles, eggs, mesquite beans, acorns, carrion REPRO: 1-4 young born fully mobile; young with dark dorsal stripe; 1 lb. each; weaned at 6-8 weeks, independent at 2-3 months; 1- 2 litters/ yr. NOTES: heart-shaped hooves; males have spear-like tusks; average lifespan 7-8 yrs.; only pig-like species native to North America; excellent sense of smell but somewhat poorer eyesight;

  30. PronghornAntilocapra americana Diurnal, crepuscular SIZE: body 4-4.5’; weighs 80-130 lbs. HABITAT: semi-arid prairies, rangeland, foothills RANGE: west Texas, including Panhandle DIET: sagebrush, forbs, grasses, clover, wildflowers, cacti, cedar REPRO: 1-2 fawns born Apr-June after 7.5 month gestation; young odorless; 50-80% fawns lost to predators; independent by fall NOTES: excellent peripheral vision; both sexes have black branched HORNS (smaller on females); fastest mammal in North America; found nowhere else in world; can reach 35-60 mph

  31. Order Chiroptera: Bats • Worldwide = Over 1,300 species • Texas = 33 bat species, including both the largest and smallest for North America, more bats than any other state in US • largest = Western Mastiff • smallest = Western Pipistrelle • Houston area = 11 species

  32. Order Chiroptera = “hand-wing” • only true flying mammals • crepuscular or nocturnal • good sight, excellent hearing • well-developed hunting skills, including echolocation Mexican Free-tailed bats from Bracken Cave can eat 250 tons of insects per night.

  33. For More Information: www.tpwd.state.tx.us Special thanks to the following people for the use of their slides: Carolyn Fannon, David Perry, Paul Montgomery, William Welch, Brett Johnson

More Related