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.

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 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
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 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		SPECIES OF CONCERN Learn more >> Commission restricts the use of lead fishing tackle on lakes with loons The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a proposal that prohibits the use of lead weights and jigs that measure 1 ½ inches or less along the longest axis at 12 lakes. In addition, the commission banned the use of flies containing lead at Long Lake in Ferry County. The restrictions, which take effect May 1, are designed to protect loons from being poisoned by ingesting small lead fishing gear lost by anglers.