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 comments on protective status of 5 wildlife species State wildlife managers are seeking public input on their recommendations to change the listing status for five protected wildlife species in Washington. Learn more >>		SPECIES OF CONCERN Threatened and Endangered Wildlife: 2012 Annual Report This report summarizes recent recovery actions for the 46 endangered, threatened, and sensitive wildlife species in Washington, with an emphasis on activities occurring in 2012. It also includes accounts for 26 of the 113 species that are candidates for listing as endangered, threatened, or sensitive. 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		WESTERN POND TURTLE RECOVERY Learn more >> Western pond turtle populations have declined due to commercial exploitation for food, loss of habitat and introduced predators, such as bullfrogs and large-mouth bass. By the mid-1990s, Western pond turtles were found in just two small populations totaling about 150 turtles. Led by WDFW, the Western Pond Turtle Working Group, continues to work to overcome threats to species survival. • Population Habitat Viability Assessment • Washington State Recovery Plan for the Western Pond Turtle • Status Report for the Western Pond Turtle 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