Exotic Wildlife Species

By: Mike McManners,

Ben Burkhalter,

& Jennifer Muller

Edited By: Kaci Greer

Objectives Define ‘exotic’ wildlife species found in

Texas

Identify ten exotic wildlife species found in Texas

Discuss policies and hunting regulations concerning exotic wildlife in Texas.

House/English Sparrow

Originally from Europe Males have gray crown,

chestnut colored neck, black beak, & grayish-brown feathers

Associates with human activity in urban & rural setting

Starling

Since introduction in New York in the 1890, they have flourished to the point of being pests

Yellow beak with black

Norway Rat

Grayish brown fur on top and pale

House Mouse

Small, slender rodent Slightly pointed nose Small black eyes Large, nearly hairless

ears Scaly tail

Grass Carp

Brassy-green to golden in color

Robust, humped body Small mouth Two barbells on each

side of the upper jaw Heavy toothed spine

on dorsal and anal fins

Walking Catfish

Aquarium fish from Asia that has escaped and now threatens the aquatic system of North America

Pale white in color Can “walk” overland

to get to new areas

Nutria

Large rodent, similar to a beaver

Tail is long, round, and sparsely haired

Mammary gland on along the mid-line of the back

Pelage is dark, slaty, underfur overlaid with long, glossy dark brown or yellow brown guard hairs

Ring-necked Pheasants

Long, pointed tail Males tails are barred Feathers have an

iridescent color pattern

White collar around neck

Bright red face patch

Aoudad/Barbary Sheep

Large horns that curve outward, backward, then inward on the males

Same on females only smaller

Distinctive long hair on front of chest, throat and front legs

Axis Deer

Reddish-brown with white spots throughout entire life

Normally have 6 point antlers

Blackbuck Antelope

Contrasting black and white body color

Long twisted horns

Objectives Define ‘exotic’ wildlife species found in

Texas

Identify ten exotic wildlife species found in Texas

Discuss policies and hunting regulations concerning exotic wildlife in Texas.

Sources www.enature.com Curriculum Materials for Agriscience 381,

Wildlife and Recreation Management, Instructional Materials Service