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Wildlife Conservation

Florida's Imperiled Species

Florida’s imperiled species are fish and wildlife species that meet criteria to be listed as federally endangered, federally threatened or state-designated. The current listing status of all of Florida's federal and state listed species is found in Florida's Endangered and Threatened Species List. While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has primary responsibility for Florida species that are federally endangered or threatened, like the sand skink or the Florida scrub-jay, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) works in partnership with USFWS to help conserve these species. 

FWC developed the Imperiled Species Management Plan to address the needs of state listed species that did not already have a management plan or specific program in place. These species also have Commission approved Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines that have been developed to clarify what is needed for conservation and permitting of these species. 

Find out more about wildlife species in Florida by visiting their species profiles.

Questions? Email Imperiled@myfwc.com.

Species Conservation Programs

Some listed and non-listed species have the well-developed programs that address their conservation, management or recovery, such as manatees, panthers, and sea turtles. The FWC has individual management plans for imperiled species such as the gopher tortoise as well as a comprehensive Imperiled Species Management Plan for state-listed species.

panther named Yuma. Photo by Karen Parker.

Learn More about Our Species Conservation Programs

Support Species Conservation

Show your love for Florida's wildlife everywhere you go with a specialty license plate, available at your local Tax Collector's office. When you buy a plate, the proceeds go directly to conservation projects throughout the state.

Help Imperiled Species

You can get involved by becoming a volunteer or a citizen scientist.