Introduced Artiodactyla

At least 123 species of ungulates not native to Texas have been imported into the state since 1930. For the most part, these exotic animals have been confined on private ranches; however, 11 species have escaped, reproduced, and now exist in parts of Texas as free-ranging, feral populations that constitute a part of the local fauna. As the possibility of sighting or finding the remains of these unusual animals increases yearly in Texas, accounts for the most common exotics have been included in this revision. Accounts of exotics are adapted from the book Exotics on the Open Range, by Elizabeth Cary Mungall and William J. Sheffield (Texas A&M University Press, College Station, 1994). At least three exotics, the scimitar-horned oryx, addax antelope, and dama gazelle, are native to North Africa where they are considered endangered.

 

Family Bovidae

Cattle, Antelope, Sheep, Goats, and African Exotics

The bovids are the largest group of artiodactyls, with 143 species worldwide. Five species occur in North America, only two of which are native to Texas. However, several exotic species have been introduced to the state from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Accounts are provided for the two native species. Additional accounts are provided for introduced species that are free-ranging and common in parts of the state.

 

Family Cervidae

Deer and Allies

The family Cervidae comprises 51 species and 19 genera worldwide. Three species (white-tailed and mule deer and elk) are native to Texas. Several species native to Europe, Asia, and Africa have been introduced as game animals, however, and at least three species are free-ranging and populous enough to be considered a permanent component of the state's fauna.  

 

Family Suidae

Pigs

The family Suidae includes five genera and 19 species worldwide.  The species Sus scrofa is assigned to both the European wild hog and the domestic pig; it is the species that has established itself as feral populations in parts of North America.

 

From The Mammals of Texas, Seventh Edition by David J. Schmidly and Robert D. Bradley, copyright © 1994, 2004, 2016.  Courtesy of the University of Texas Press.