Ohio's Listed Species: Wildlife that are Considered to be Endangered, Threatened, Species of Concern, Special Interest, Extirpated, or Extinct in Ohio

Division of Wildlife

The Division of Wildlife’s mission is to conserve and improve the fish and wildlife resources and their habitats, and promote their use and appreciation by the public so that these resources continue to enhance the quality of life for all Ohioans. The Division has legal authority over Ohio’s fish and wildlife, which includes about 56 species of mammals, 200 species of breeding birds, 84 species and subspecies of amphibians and reptiles, 170 species of fish, 100 species of mollusks, and 20 species of crustaceans. In addition, there are thousands of species of insects and other invertebrates which fall under the Division’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, Ohio law grants authority to the chief of the Division to adopt rules restricting the taking or possession of native wildlife threatened with statewide extirpation and to develop and periodically update a list of endangered species (Ohio Revised Code 1531.25). The status of native wildlife species is very important to the Division. While the listing process identifies individual wildlife species needing protection, it also serves as a powerful tool in the Division’s planning process. It provides direction for the allocation of personnel time and funds in Division programs and projects. The first list of Ohio’s endangered wildlife was adopted in 1974 and included 71 species. An extensive examination of the list is conducted every five years. The Division seeks input from our staff along with other noted professional and amateur wildlife experts across Ohio. In 2001, as part of our comprehensive management plan, the Division initiated a reevaluation of the endangered species list. During this process, the need for an additional state-list category was recognized and has been designated as “Special Interest.” The name of the previous special interest category has been changed to “Species of Concern,” but retains its original definition. Therefore, in addition to endangered the Division uses five other categories: threatened, species of concern, special interest, extirpated, and extinct, to further define the status of selected wildlife. These categories and the species contained within them are dynamic and will be revised as our knowledge of the status of Ohio’s wildlife evolves.

Ohio's Listed Species: Wildlife that are Considered to be Endangered, Threatened, Species of Concern, Special Interest, Extirpated, or Extinct in Ohio

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