The new Togiak Refuge Wildlife List.

The Togiak National Wildlife Refuge recently published its latest brochure in the form of a Wildlife List that gives viewing tips for the 302 species of birds, mammals, fish, and one amphibian found within the Refuge.  The compilation is the first of any secondary brochures for Region 7 to fit new Fish and Wildlife Service graphic standards. 

Although it takes a lot of effort to get to Togiak Refuge, dedicated wildlife watchers know they will be rewarded.  Birds from the North American Pacific Flyway and several Asiatic routes migrate through the area with many species breeding there.  The chance of adding a hard-to-get species to your “lifelist” can be pretty good.  The Refuge is a haven for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds.  Over half the Pacific black brant population can be found resting in Refuge bays during their spring return to their nesting grounds.  Over a million seabirds nest on Refuge cliffs and islands, and part of the Refuge is a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site.    

Most of the signature mammal species associated with Alaska are found on Togiak Refuge.  Terrestrial mammals range from pigmy shrews, North America’s smallest mammal, up to massive brown bears, the largest carnivores on land.  Walrus and seals haul out to rest along the coast, and gray whales migrate along the Refuge coastline each spring and fall.   

The Togiak Refuge Wildlife List will enhance visitors’ experience by helping them see and identify more wildlife.  To get a copy of the new Wildlife List call the refuge office, or for more information visit the Refuge website at http://togiak.fws.gov/