Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area (LPWMA) consists of 18 management units throughout the Lower Rio Grande Valley. These lands were acquired for the purposes of conserving white-winged dove nesting habitat. Purchase of the units started in 1958 and continued through 1992. Funding for the purchase of these units was primarily funded by white-winged dove stamp dollars. The LPWMA manages Tamaulipan thornforest, grasslands, farmland, and wetlands for wildlife. Initially, properties were acquired for white-winged dove nesting habitat. Efforts were then focused on conservation and re-establishment of Tamaulipan thornscrub through re-vegetation, in areas where it was lacking up through 2011. Efforts have now shifted focus to combating non-native and invasive grasses through mechanical and chemical treatments, yearly.
In addition to hunting and conservation efforts, LPWMA fosters research opportunities for universities, non-profit organizations, and other governmental agencies. Current and past research has included songbird, hawk, and hummingbird banding, snake fungal disease investigations, black-spotted newt occupancy, ocelot habitat use, and species of greatest conservation need surveys.
Last updated November 27, 2023