NRI’s Wildlife Research advances a science-based understanding of Texas’ most iconic species and the landscapes they depend on. Our work aims to better understand the movement, behavior, and population dynamics of big game and other key wildlife species—such as white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, domestic cattle, wild pigs, and a range of birds and reptiles. Using advanced tracking technologies, autonomous recording devices, and long-term field monitoring, we develop detailed models of how animals use their habitats, interact with each other, and respond to environmental changes.

These insights help landowners, managers, and partners make informed decisions that support sustainable wildlife populations, reduce human–wildlife conflicts, and strengthen habitat management strategies across Texas’ diverse working lands. By connecting rigorous science with practical stewardship, we ensure that wildlife and natural resources thrive for generations to come.

Javelina Research in Texas

Led by Dr. Stephen Webb, NRI’s javelina research focuses on understanding the ecology, movement patterns, and habitat use of collared peccaries across South and West Texas. By combining GPS tracking, field observations, and habitat assessments, this work helps clarify how javelinas respond to changing landscapes, hunting pressure, and resource availability. The findings provide landowners and wildlife managers with data-driven guidance for managing populations, reducing agricultural conflicts, and conserving the native shrubland and desert communities these species rely on. 

Bighorn Sheep Research

Our bighorn sheep research advances understanding of population dynamics, disease risk, and habitat connectivity for one of Texas’ most iconic desert species. Through the use of GPS telemetry, genetic sampling, and landscape modeling, the research team evaluates migration corridors, herd health, and how environmental factors influence survival and reproduction. This work supports state agencies, conservation partners, and private landowners in restoring and maintaining sustainable bighorn populations, improving habitat quality, and ensuring long-term resilience for sheep across the West Texas mountains.