Q. What is a special status species?
A. "Special status species" include any species which is listed, or proposed for listing, as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act; any species covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty; any species designated by the FWS as a "candidate" or "listing" species or "sensitive" species; and any species which is listed and protected by State statute in a category implying potential endangerment or extinction.
Q. How can you obtain special status species lists for a particular project?
A. Check U.S. Fish and Wildlife (for federal lists) and Natural Heritage Program (for lists in participating states) web sites.
Q. Are birds covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty considered Special Status Species?
A. Yes. "Special status species" include any species which is listed, or proposed for listing, as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act; any species covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty; any species designated by the FWS as a "candidate" or "listing" species or "sensitive" species; and any species which is listed and protected by State statute in a category implying potential endangerment or extinction.
Q. If a species is only listed by the State Heritage Program, should it still be considered a Special Status Species?
A. Yes. "Special status species" include any species which is listed, or proposed for listing, as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act; any species covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty; any species designated by the FWS as a "candidate" or "listing" species or "sensitive" species; and any species which is listed and protected by State statute in a category implying potential endangerment or extinction.
