Outdoor News Daily

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) passed new rules Wednesday for conserving and managing threatened species in Florida. The new rules require biological reviews be completed on all species on the state’s lists of threatened species and species of special concern.

Currently, the FWC seeks input and information on 61 listed species that have never had reviews completed, or the reviews were done so long ago that the information is no longer current. The list of species is available at MyFWC.com/ImperiledSpecies (follow the link under “Latest Updates”).

FWC staff needs information on population size and trends, distribution and range, and threats to the species.

“We want to make sure we have the best available scientific and commercial data as we conduct these reviews,” said Dr. Elsa Haubold, leader of the FWC’s Species Conservation Planning Section. “That is why we are requesting information about these species from the public. We also will research published studies and contact known experts for information.

“Specific aspects of the species’ life history that may influence the range and status of the species in Florida will help us make well-informed decisions on whether to continue listing each species.”

After gathering information from the public and completing the research, staff, along with biological review groups appointed by the Commission, will evaluate the information this fall, using the newly approved listing process. Based on these reviews, staff will then make recommendations to the Commission on whether the species should be on Florida’s threatened list. Before a change in status is made, no matter if the species is listed or not, all reviewed species will have a management plan developed that will outline the conservation goal and objectives needed to improve or maintain the species. The management plans will be developed with extensive public and stakeholder input.

Information and data on any of the 61 species should be sent to: Biological Status Reviews, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian St., Mail Station 2A, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 or e-mailed to Imperiled@MyFWC.com. Responses will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Nov. 1.

If providing information on more than one species, send a separate, clearly identifiable section of the response devoted to each species.

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