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Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge

Ecosystem Overview

The Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge ecosystem supports 24 documented wildlife species across 21 taxonomic genera. Located in calhoun county, texas, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 5 frequently observed species and 4 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Port Lavaca nearby has 51% more documented species, Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #3 for species diversity among 6 calhoun county County natural areas, placing it in the 50th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

24
Total Species
Documented wildlife species
21
Genus Diversity
Taxonomic genera represented
13
Common Species
Frequently observed species
11
Rare Species
Occasionally documented species
#3
Regional Rank
Out of 6 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common5 species
Common8 species
Occasional7 species
Rare4 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking
#3 of 6 locations
50th percentile for diversity
vs. Port Lavaca
-51% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 24 total documented species.

Sympetrum corruptum

Sympetrum corruptum

Variegated Meadowhawk

Very Common2 obs.
Lithobates catesbeianus

Lithobates catesbeianus

Common Bullfrog

Very Common2 obs.
Tringa melanoleuca

Tringa melanoleuca

Greater Yellowlegs

Very Common2 obs.
Leucophaeus atricilla

Leucophaeus atricilla

Laughing Gull

Very Common2 obs.
Polistes bellicosus

Polistes bellicosus

Very Common1 obs.
Pachydiplax longipennis

Pachydiplax longipennis

Blue Dasher

Common1 obs.
Erythemis vesiculosa

Erythemis vesiculosa

Great Pondhawk

Common1 obs.
Persephona aquilonaris

Persephona aquilonaris

Common1 obs.
Alligator mississippiensis

Alligator mississippiensis

Louisiana alligator.

Common1 obs.
Pluvialis squatarola

Pluvialis squatarola

grey plover

Common1 obs.
Pandion haliaetus

Pandion haliaetus

osprey

Common1 obs.
Egretta thula

Egretta thula

Snowy Egret

Occasional1 obs.
Egretta rufescens

Egretta rufescens

Reddish Egret

Occasional1 obs.
Egretta caerulea

Egretta caerulea

Little Blue Heron

Occasional1 obs.
Numenius americanus

Numenius americanus

long-billed curlew

Occasional1 obs.
Cathartes aura

Cathartes aura

Turkey Vulture

Occasional1 obs.
Podilymbus podiceps

Podilymbus podiceps

Pied-billed grebe

Occasional1 obs.
Geothlypis trichas

Geothlypis trichas

Common Yellowthroat (Arizela Group)

Rare1 obs.
Anas acuta

Anas acuta

pintail, northern pintail

Rare1 obs.
Bucephala albeola

Bucephala albeola

Bufflehead

Rare1 obs.

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No comparable locations found in this region.

Nearby Wildlife Areas in Calhoun County

Discover 8 other wildlife-rich locations near Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge. Each offers unique biodiversity and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Regional Wildlife Network

These nearby locations complement Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refugewithin Calhoun County's wildlife network. Species counts reflect documented observations and help identify the most biodiverse areas for your nature explorations.

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