Thornforest: Restoring the Wildlands of South Texas

_{This YouTube video was produced by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.}

The thornforest of Texas’s Lower Rio Grande Valley is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America, attracting birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe. It supports over 500 species of migratory and resident birds, 300 species of butterflies, 1,200 species of plants, and approximately 50 species of mammals, including the last remaining population of ocelots in the United States. This rugged, spiny habitat is emblematic of the region and closely linked to the cultures and communities that live there. But despite its importance to people and wildlife, the thornforest that historically covered most of the Lower Rio Grande Valley has been reduced to a mere 5-10% of its original extent, and many of the species that call it home are threatened or endangered. “Thornforest: Restoring the Wildlands of South Texas” weaves stunning wildlife footage with expert voices to share the story of this unique ecosystem and the organizations and communities that are coming together to save it.