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| Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
 Spring wildflowers in the refuge | |
   | |
| Location | Comanche County, Oklahoma, United States |
| Nearest city | Meers |
| Coordinates | 34°46′N 98°42′W / 34.767°N 98.700°W |
| Area | 59,020 acres (238.8 km2) |
| Established | 1901 |
| Governing body | United States Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge |
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located in southwestern Oklahoma near Lawton, has protected unique wildlife habitats since 1901 and is the oldest managed wildlife facility in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service system.[1] The refuge's location in the geologically unique Wichita Mountains and its areas of undisturbed mixed grass prairie make it an important conservation area. The Wichita Mountains are approximately 500 million years old.[2][3] Measuring about 59,020 acres (238.8 km2), the refuge hosts a great diversity of species: 806 plant species, 240 species of birds, 36 fish, and 64 reptiles and amphibians are present.
- ^ O'Dell, Larry. "Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge". Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. Oklahoma Historical Society.
- ^ Splinter, Dale K.; Marston, Richard A. "Wichita Mountains". Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. Oklahoma Historical Society.
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Wichita Mountains