Texas is known for our Wild West spirit. But if several moneyed interest groups have their way, Texas will become much less wild. Several groups, backed by a former Texas Comptroller, have filed a petition with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to delist the golden-cheeked warbler from the endangered species list. The golden-cheeked warbler continues to be threatened by habitat loss and urban development.

If these groups have their way, large sections of this bird’s homeland will be opened to development and lost forever.

The golden-cheeked warbler was first put on the endangered species list in 1990. Even the petition starters acknowledge that in the first 10 years after it was listed, more than 100,000 acres of their habitat were lost. This happened despite restrictions to limit that destruction. What would happen if the restrictions were lifted? Apart from its conservation status, the golden-cheeked warbler is special because it is the only bird  with a breeding range confined solely within Texas. It is a true Texas native, breeding in parts of only 33 counties that have the right mix of old growth Ashe Juniper and oak trees needed to raise its young.

What’s the future for this endangered bird if the USFW decides to remove the warbler from the endangered species list? Much of this songbird’s habitat has already been lost to development and habitat fragmentation. Now, organizations backed by interests groups with deep pockets claim that the warbler’s habitat has better uses. Travis Audubon flatly rejects any contention that the species numbers are booming.

Challenges like this will only escalate as our open spaces vanish. Wild birds need human advocates. Birds sing, but without us, they have no voice. Add your voice to ours, sign the petition to save the golden-cheeked warbler, and together we can make a profound difference.

For more information visit TravisAudubon.org