DNR Updates Protected Species List

The Georgia Board of Natural Resources has approved the state's first comprehensive revision of its protected plant and animal lists since 1992, based on the recommendations of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).  These lists specify what species are protected under Georgia's Wildflower Preservation Act and Georgia's Endangered Wildlife Act, and are increasingly used to help prioritize funding for conservation and research on rare species.

The update includes adding 121 species, deleting 18 species, and changing the status of 43 species that were already listed.  Many of the new additions are plant species, as well as numerous crayfish and freshwater mussel species.  The changes were made based on scientific data submitted by members of the public and biologists both within and outside of WRD.

Accurate lists of state protected plants and animals, based on the best available science, are an integral component of efforts to conserve Georgia's wildlife.  These lists are increasingly used to guide conservation efforts by government agencies,  private organizations, and other conservation partners.

Prohibitions specified in the Endangered Wildlife Act and the Wildflower Preservation Act can be used to deter the illegal harvest of plants and animals.  While habitat loss is the most severe threat to most of Georgia's rare species, certain species such as turtles or crayfish face a very significant threat from over-collection.

Georgia law specifically states that rules and regulations related to the protection of state protected species shall not affect rights in private property. Prohibitions are limited to the capture, killing, or selling of protected species and the protection of the habitat of these species on public lands.

Private landowners are encouraged to take note of the updated list and work with conservation groups to help ensure the survival of Georgia's imperiled species.   Because more than 90 percent of Georgia is privately owned, the assistance of private landowners is vital to the survival of many of these species.

The Department also approved an exception to the protected species rules that will allow for the collection of state protected crayfish species for fishing bait. This exception will allow WRD to emphasize the need for conservation efforts for these species without restricting fishing activity, because collection by anglers is not considered a threat to the species' survival in the state.  The exception was made because it is often difficult to differentiate between protected crayfishes and more common species.

Click here to view the changes to protected species rules and click here to view a copy of the final list (two-page version).   A list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) and other information on the protected species update can also be found on the WRD website or by calling (706) 557-3032.