Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge is one of more than 560 national wildlife refuges that form a network of United States lands and waters managed specifically for wildlife. Refuges provide habitat–food, water, cover, and space—for millions of migratory birds, over 380 threatened or endangered species, and thousands of species of native plants and animals. The refuge and century old town get their name from the famous Chickasaw Chief, Tishomingo and was established in 1946 as an administrative overlay of Corps of Engineers lands on a portion of the Washita Arm of Lake Texoma. The primary purpose of the refuge is to protect and manage 16,464 acres of habitat as refuge and breeding grounds for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge also provides wildlife-dependent recreational activities including wildlife observation and photography, fishing, hunting, environmental education, and interpretive programs for the public. Habitats within Tishomingo Refuge include 2,050 acres of wetlands, 10,000 acres of uplands, and 250 acres of croplands. These lands and waters are actively managed to support more than 284 species of birds, 41 species of mammals, 66 species of amphibians and reptiles, 67 species of butterflies and 54 species of fish.