Yesterday, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we announced the protection of 7,428 acres of ranch land near Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in Willacy County. The land is protected through a conservation easement granted by the Frank Yturria family, and it provides vital habitat for two endangered species, the ocelot and the aplomado falcon. Read more in the press release: goo.gl/eIK5mW. Situated on the border between the United States and Mexico, this region has been called the last great habitat. Hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects depend on this diverse assemblage of wetlands, coastal prairie, savannah, dense mesquite and thorn scrubbrush for survival. Loss of habitat has impacted a number of species, including the endangered ocelot and the aplomado falcon. The Conservation Fund, the Service and the Friends of the Wildlife Corridor worked with neighboring ranchers Frank and Mary Yturria to purchase a conservation easement on a portion of the Yturria’s property where the presence of eight ocelots has been documented. The easement allows the land to remain privately owned, but the Yturrias agree to keep the habitat intact, permanently. Frank has been working with the Service for more than 30 years to help protect endangered wildlife habitat, through conservation easements and the sale of his land.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 16:22:58 +0000
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