Frequently Asked Questions about
Endangered and Threatened Species,
and Species of Special Concern in Florida
Can I read the Endangered Species Act online?
What do "Endangered" and "Threatened" mean?
Which species are Endangered or Threatened in Florida?
Where can I find information about specific protected species?
Q: Can I read the Endangered Species Act online?
A: Yes, here is a link to The Endangered Species Act of 1973, presented on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) web site. Also see the USFWS web site on The Endangered Species Program.
Q: What do "Endangered" and "Threatened" mean?
A: Definitions below are from the USFWS Endangered Species Glossary:
Endangered - The classification provided to an animal or plant in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
Threatened - The classification provided to an animal or plant likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
Q: Which species are Endangered or Threatened in Florida?
A: See the following resources online:
List of Species that are Endangered, Threatened, and Species of Special Concern
(PDF file from FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
Rare Plants & Animals of Florida
(Florida Natural Areas Inventory)
Q: Where can I find information about specific protected species?
A: Here are a few links to get you started:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Species Information - Threatened and Endangered Animals and Plants
American Crocodiles (and alligators)
UF/IFAS factsheet: Alligators and Crocodiles - Quick Reference Sheet
Bats (7 endangered bat species)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered Bats of America (PDF file)
Manatees
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Manatee Information
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Manatee Information
Florida Panthers
FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Panther Information
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Panther Information
Florida Scrub Jays
FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Scrub Jay Information
US Fish and Wildlife Service - Scrub Jay Information
Audubon of Florida - Scrub Jay Information
Brevard County, FL - Scrub Jay Information
Charlotte County, FL - Scrub Jay Information
Sea Turtles
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (US Fish and Wildlife Service)
Sea Turtle Fact Sheets (Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, USFWS)
Laws Protecting Sea Turtles (Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, USFWS)
Sea Turtle Quick Facts (US Fish and Wildlife Service)
Caribbean Conservation Corporation and Sea Turtle Survival League
Location: http://yourdomain.edu