Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

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Buffalo grazing in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located in southwestern Oklahoma near Lawton, has protected unique wildlife habitats since 1901 and is the oldest managed wildlife facility in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service system.^[1] Measuring about 59,020 acres, the Refuge hosts a great diversity of species: 806 plant species, 240 kinds of bird, 36 fish, and 64 reptiles and amphibians are present. The refuge's location in the geologically unique Wichita Mountains and its areas of undisturbed mix grass prairie make it an important conservation area. The Wichitas are approximately 500 million years old. ^[2]

Longhorn cattle in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

1 Fauna
2 Flora
3 Recreation
4 External links
5 References

[edit] Fauna

Several species of large native mammals make their home at the refuge: American Bison, elk, white-tailed deer graze the praries along with Texas longhorn cattle preserved for their cultural and historic importance. Bison, longhorns, and elk were introduced after the establishment of the refuge. Merriam's Elk, the original subspecies of elk in this area, is extinct, so the elk in the refuge are Rocky Mountain Elk.

Many smaller mammal species also live in the refuge, including the Nine-banded Armadillo and the Black-tailed Prairie Dog.

The Refuge is home to many species of birds, and it is one of the remaining homes of the endangered Black-capped Vireo.

[edit] Flora

The refuge is ecologically diverse, with prairie, ravine, and mountain plant communities. Portions of the refuge contain scrubby forest of mixed oak varieties. A disjunct population of bigtooth maple is found here, 400 miles from the nearest natural population in West Texas.^[3]

[edit] Recreation

rock climber on Mt. Scott

The Refuge is a popular destination for recreational activities. Rock climbing is overwhelmingly popular, but visitors also enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, bird and wildlife watching, and photography. The refuge has an extensive trail system, including both official and unofficial trails. Many of these trails lead to climbing routes. The area became popular for rock climbing beginning in the 60s and 70s, and has become somewhat of a regional mecca. Though climbing has brought many visitors to the Refuge, some controversy exists over the use of fixed anchors,

fixed anchors on Mt. Scott

bolts and other permanently-placed objects on the rock face. The Refuge has joined with The Access Fund and the Wichita Mountains Climbers Coalition to promote responsible use of the Wichitas' resources. ^[4] Rock climbing routes are found on Mt. Scott, the Refuge's second highest summit, as well as areas such as the Narrows and Charon's Garden Wilderness Area.