Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge | |
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IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
Map of Texas | |
Location | Hidalgo County, Texas, United States |
Nearest city | Alamo, Texas |
Coordinates | 26°4′59″N 98°8′6″W / 26.08306°N 98.13500°W |
Area | 2,088 acres (845 ha) |
Established | 1943 |
Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
Website | Santa Ana National Wildlife Service |
Designated | 1966 |
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,088-acre (8.45 km2) National Wildlife Refuge situated along the banks of the Rio Grande, south of Alamo in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, in Hidalgo County, South Texas.
The wildlife refuge was established for the protection of migratory birds in 1943. Its unique location is at the meeting of different climates and habitats: subtropical wetlands, Chihuahuan Desert, Gulf Coast, and Great Plains. Its riparian location has developed a reputation for diverse birding.
Due to its location near the Mexico–United States border, the refuge was at risk of environmental damage during the construction of the Trump wall. The administration exempted the construction in the refuge, but built on the border of it, leading to possible interference due to noise.[1]