Habitat management research for wildlife in South Texas covers a broad spectrum. Scientists are examining the effects of manipulating vegetation to improve forage, cover, and space for wildlife.

Prescribed burning is one method of maintaining high quality rangeland that is beneficial to wildlife. Research is being conducted to determine conditions in which this useful management tool is most effective for maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat.

Discing in otherwise homogeneous rangeland habitats is another method being studied to increase the diversity of habitats for wildlife. CKWRI researchers have found that plants growing on previously disturbed sites are often preferred by many wildlife species for foraging and nesting.

Other scientists are developing and evaluating wildlife food plots that many ranchers are using to increase food resources on their land.

Institute scientists are conducting studies focusing on brush conversion, revegetating disturbed sites, and reclamation of coastal sand dunes to benefit wildlife and livestock.

Established in 1981, a major partner in the study of plants for habitat restoration is the USDA-NRCS Kika de la Garza Plant Materials Center at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The Center evaluates native plant materials as well as methods to improve water quality, stabilize erosion, restore degraded habitats, improve forage quality, and increase plant diversity. These objectives are accomplished through the joint efforts of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute's South Texas Natives, the South Texas Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.