Matthew Moten holds a PhD in history from Rice University and is the author of Presidents and Their Generals: An American History of Command War. A former colonel who served with the U.S. Army for more than three decades, Matthew Moten now owns the T-O Ranch in Burnet County, Texas. His passion for responsible land stewardship has inspired an interest in wildlife conservation.

1. SPECIES REQUIRING
CONSERVATION AID IN
THE STATE OF TEXAS
Matthew Moten

2. Introduction
 Matthew Moten holds a PhD in history from Rice
University and is the author of Presidents and Their
Generals: An American History of Command War. A
former colonel who served with the U.S. Army for
more than three decades, Matthew Moten now owns
the T-O Ranch in Burnet County, Texas. His passion
for responsible land stewardship has inspired an
interest in wildlife conservation.
The Texas Wildlife Diversity Program developed the
Texas Conservation Action Plan to guide nature
research, restoration, and management projects
across the state. The plan includes a section titled
Species of Greatest Conservation Need.

3. Texas Wildlife Diversity
Program
 Each species on the list, which includes plants
and animals found in Texas and further afield, is
provided two rankings based on rarity: one for its
global status, and another for its state-wide status.
The species is designed a number from 1 to 5,
with 1 denoting “critically imperiled” and 5
signifying “secure.”
Some of the most endangered animal species in
the state of Texas are the western and southern
yellow bat, the mining bee, and the Aplomado
falcon. Rare plant species include the earth fruit,
the golden-spine prickly pear, and a variety of
cacti.