Indiana Species of Greatest Conservation Need

What is a Species of Greatest Conservation Need?

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are species whose populations are declining or who have limited abundance in the state. The SGCN list is indicative of the diversity of fish and wildlife in Indiana, with more than 150 species included. Identifying SGCN is a required component of the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP).

How are Species of Greatest Conservation Need decided?

The list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need is reviewed and updated periodically, using expertise from scientists who study these species within the state. Species of Greatest Conservation Need are those listed as Federally Endangered, Threatened or Candidate species and species determined to be State Endangered or of State Special Concern.

• State Endangered: Any animal species whose prospects for survival or recruitment within the state are in immediate jeopardy and are in danger of disappearing from the state. This includes all species listed as endangered or threatened by the federal government that occur in Indiana.
• State Special Concern: Any animal species requiring monitoring because of known/suspected limited abundance or distribution or because of a recent change in legal status or required habitat.
• Federal Endangered: Any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
• Federal Threatened: Any species that is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Listings