Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is the largest protected area of natural habitat left in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The refuge is located almost entirely in Cameron County, Texas (near Harlingen), although a very small part of its northernmost point extends into southern Willacy County. Fauna The Peregrine Fund began reintroducing captive-bred northern aplomado falcons (Falco femoralis septentrionalis) to the refuge in 1985, which had been nearly extirpated from the Southwestern United States; today, it is home to 26 pairs. Nine other endangered or threatened species inhabit the refuge, such as the Texas ocelot (Leopardus pardalis albescens) and (formerly) the Gulf Coast jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), rare wild cats. Programs at the refuge include vegetation and wetland restoration. See also Hilary Swarts, ocelot biologist at Laguna Atascosa References External links U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuges in Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley Wetlands of Texas Protected areas of Cameron County, Texas Protected areas of Willacy County, Texas Landforms of Cameron County, Texas Landforms of Willacy County, Texas Protected areas established in 1946 1946 establishments in Texas