When talking about animal conservation, you often hear people refer to native vs. non-native species. In other words, a non-native species is an exotic animal not indigenous to a region.

One of our Association’s missions is to encourage and expand the conservation of both native and non-native hoofstock and protect the rights of private property owners, including, but not limited to, the right to manage and control their own land and the indigenous and non-indigenous hoofstock animals living on it.

But what animals are native and what are exotics? Let’s take a look at some basics in Texas because after all, Texas is the 2nd biggest state and where the EWA is based. 

Native

  • Desert bighorn sheep
  • Javelina
  • Mule deer
  • Pronghorn antelope
  • White-tailed deer

Exotic

  • Aoudad sheep
  • Axis deer
  • Blackbuck antelope
  • Elk*
  • Fallow deer
  • Nilgai antelope
  • Sika deer
  • *Elk: There is an ongoing discussion among Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas landowners as to whether Elk should be moved off of the exotic list and onto the native species list.

I also want to note that the exotics listed are some of the more common animals in Texas that are not only on our ranches but are also free-ranging. You may see many of these beauties driving your local FM.

Maybe next time, we’ll get more advanced in our exotics, highlight animals that are now endangered yet are thriving in Texas, or cover another state.

What’s your favorite exotic? Let us see your pictures!