Texas Blackland Prairies

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Texas Blackland Prairies
Ecology
Realm	Nearctic
Biome	Temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands
Borders
Geography
Area	50,300 km2 (19,400 sq mi)
Country
State
Conservation
Conservation status	Critical/Endangered
Global 200	Yes
Protected	0.3%

The Texas Blackland Prairies is an ecoregion located in the state of Texas, United States. It is part of the temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome and is characterized by its rich, dark soil, which is highly fertile and ideal for agriculture. The region extends from the Red River in the north to San Antonio in the south, covering an area of approximately 50,300 square kilometers.

Geography

The Texas Blackland Prairies are bordered by several other ecoregions, including the Cross Timbers to the west, the East Central Texas forests to the east, the Edwards Plateau to the southwest, and the South Texas Plains to the south. The region is primarily flat to gently rolling, with elevations ranging from 300 to 800 feet above sea level.

Climate

The climate of the Texas Blackland Prairies is classified as humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. Average annual precipitation ranges from 30 to 40 inches, with most of the rainfall occurring in the spring and early summer months.

Flora and Fauna

The native vegetation of the Texas Blackland Prairies consists primarily of tallgrass prairie species, including big bluestem, little bluestem, Indian grass, and switchgrass. However, much of the original prairie has been converted to agricultural use, and the remaining prairie fragments are often dominated by invasive species such as Johnsongrass and Bermuda grass.

The region supports a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, and numerous species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The Attwater's prairie chicken, an endangered species, is also found in this ecoregion.

Conservation

The Texas Blackland Prairies are considered critically endangered due to extensive agricultural development and urbanization. Less than 1% of the original prairie remains intact, and conservation efforts are focused on preserving and restoring these remnants. Several protected areas, such as the Clymer Meadow Preserve and the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland, are dedicated to the conservation of this unique ecoregion.

Economy

Agriculture is the dominant economic activity in the Texas Blackland Prairies, with crops such as cotton, corn, wheat, and sorghum being widely cultivated. The fertile soil and favorable climate make the region one of the most productive agricultural areas in Texas.

Related Pages

• Cross Timbers
• East Central Texas forests
• Edwards Plateau
• South Texas Plains
• Temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands
• Attwater's prairie chicken