What does “endangered” mean? What does “threatened” mean?
A species is listed under one of two categories, endangered or threatened, depending on its status and the degree of threat it faces. An “endangered species” is one that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A “threatened species” is one that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. To help conserve genetic diversity, the ESA defines “species” broadly to include subspecies and (for vertebrates) distinct populations. For more information, view Listing a Species as Threatened or Endangered Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act.
If there is an endangered species
on my property, are there restrictions on what I can do?
There may be. It is illegal to harm or harass an endangered
species. Harm includes destroying or modifying habitat fo
the species. Continuing your normal activities is no problem.
If you are planning construction work or other major changes,
it is best to check with our office before proceeding. You
will need a special permit from FWS and/or the state if
your work will harm a federal- or state-protected species.
Where can I obtain information on
endangered species?
There are several sources. Please see our national endangered
species search engine. Information can also be obtained by contacting
our office.
Can I help in the recovery of endangered
species, and if so, how?
First, start out at home, by being a good land steward on
your property. Landscape using only native plants; they
benefit local wildlife and save you money because they require
less care and maintenance. Also support community involvement
in conservation of wetlands, bays, rivers, forests and coastal
habitats. Avoid using fertilizers and pesticides in locations
that can runoff to waterways or ditches. Maintain your septic
system regularly. These areas provide habitat for wildlife
species as well as enjoyable recreational opportunities,
drinking water supplies and economic benefits, including
tourism and some industry.
Is there money available to help
wildlife on my land?
There are opportunities for cost-sharing partnerships through
several federal programs. Assistance and information is available on our Landowner Conservation web page and through the Partners
for Fish and Wildlife Program.
Can I, and how do I go about importing
wildlife from outside the U.S.?
Contact the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Division for
referral to the proper authority.
Where can I find the GIS layers
for the critical habitat designations?
The GIS layers for the final Critical Habitat designation
for species’ in which we were involved are available
on our Species
List & Critical Habitat and via the Service’s Critical
Habitat Portal. This portal maintains final Critical
Habitat designation for federally listed species throughout
the United States. For proposed designations being developed
in our office, please email Lydia Ambrose.
What federally listed species GIS
data layers are available?
We have several GIS layers available for some of our trust
resources (federally listed species and migratory birds).
This list will continue to grow through time as we develop
more data related to our trust resources. Please visit our GIS web page for more information.
How do I obtain available GIS data
layers?
Please send an email request
to Lydia Ambrose listing the data layers you would like to receive
and the purpose for your request. We will respond to your
email request in a timely manner to coordinate the distribution
of the data.
What does the Gulf sturgeon look
like, and where does it live?
For that information and more, please visit our Gulf sturgeon web page. Also see our Sonar Habitat Mapping web page for Gulf sturgeon projects.
Can you still fish for Gulf sturgeon?
No. The Gulf sturgeon is listed as a threatened species
by the federal government and a species of special concern
by the state of Florida. Recreational and commercial fishing
is prohibited by the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi
and Louisiana.
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