Implementing a new conservation model for Florida species
Beginning this year and continuing through 2013, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is introducing draft management plans for 60 species on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species list. State-designated fish, frogs, reptiles, mammals and birds have recently undergone biological reviews – a species’ health check. Now the FWC plans to manage these species using specific objectives and actions to keep them part of Florida’s wildlife forever.
The FWC adopted this new conservation model in September 2010 to evaluate the status of species listed as state threatened or species of special concern. The Commission-approved process first called for developing a Biological Status Review (BSR) for each species. The BSRs, independently reviewed by outside scientists and the public, reported on what was happening to each species, and made a recommendation on whether the species met criteria to: 1) remain or become listed as threatened, 2) remain or become a species of special concern until further data could be gathered, or 3) be removed from the list of state threatened species.
The FWC is committed to keeping these 60 species healthy in our growing state of more than 18 million people. We invite individuals and stakeholder groups to be part of the process!
Under Article IV, Section 9 of the Florida Constitution, the FWC has constitutional authority to "exercise the regulatory and executive powers of the state with respect to wild animal life and fresh water aquatic life, and shall also exercise regulatory and executive powers of the state with respect to marine life..." However, whales, manatees, and sea turtles are managed under statutory authority granted by the Florida Legislature.
Additional Rules and Regulations:
Thank you for your interest and support for listed species recovery in Florida.
Species-specific pages
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