Species of Concern

As the state’s human population continues to grow, more fish and wildlife species have been put at risk by loss and fragmentation of critical habitat, disturbance and introduction of non-native species. The Threatened and Endangered Species section of the WDFW oversees the listing and recovery of those species in danger of being lost in the state.

SPECIES OF CONCERN WDFW seeks public comments on draft plans to protect Oregon spotted frogs and 15 species of bats State wildlife managers are seeking public comments on a draft recovery plan for Washington’s native population of Oregon spotted frogs, and a separate plan to conserve the 15 species of bats in the state. WDFW will accept written comments on the draft recovery plan for the Oregon spotted frog through Aug. 9, and on the conservation plan for bats through June 10. Learn more >> • Draft Washington State Bat Conservation Plan • Draft Washington State Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Plan		SPECIES OF CONCERN Threatened and Endangered Wildlife: 2011 Annual Report WDFW) has produced a report summarizing the status and recent recovery actions for all 46 state listed wildlife and nongame fish species and 15 selected candidate species. The report contains accounts for each of these species that summarize the species biology, population status in Washington, and recent conservation activities. The report will be updated annually to reflect future recovery efforts. Learn more >> • Species of Concern List
PYGMY RABBIT RECOVERY The pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is the smallest rabbit in North America. It is also the only rabbit to dig its own burrows, using the deep loamy soils of habitat dominated by sagebrush, which also makes up most of its diet. Learn more >> • View videos of captive-bred Pygmy rabbits • Pygmy rabbit photo gallery Species of Concern Legal Definitions and Procedures Status Definitions Listing Procedures WAC 232-12-297: Endangered, threatened, and sensitive wildlife species classification WAC 232-12-011: Wildlife classified as protected shall not be hunted or fished History of the Species of Concern List		FISHER REINTRODUCTION Olympic National Park Fisher Reintroduction Following eight years of analysis and planning, WDFW and Olympic National Park initiated the Olympic fisher reintroduction project in December of 2007. The goal of the project is to release a total of 100 fishers into Olympic National Park over a three-year period. An estimated 40 fishers will be released in each of the winters of 2008/2009 and 2009/2010. Learn more >> • View video of the mother and kits • Olympic Fisher Reintroduction Updates • Fisher Recovery Plan SHARP-TAILED GROUSE RECOVERY Release of the final state Sharp-tailed Grouse Recovery Plan The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is the rarest of six described subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse, a close relative of prairie-chickens. The goal of the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse recovery program is to restore and maintain healthy selfsustaining populations in a significant portion of the historical range in the state. Learn more >> • Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Recovery Plan • Sharp-tailed Grouse Research • Video: Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek in Spring Snow a Dawson Dunning Video - Running Time: 2:34