Conservation Status

NatureServe and Idaho Conservation Data Center

Listed below are definitions for interpreting NatureServe conservation status ranks (GRanks and SRanks). These ranks reflect an assessment of the condition of the species rangewide (GRank) and statewide (SRank). Rangewide ranks are assigned by NatureServe and statewide ranks are assigned by the Idaho Conservation Data Center (IDCDC).

GX or SX = Presumed extinct or extirpated. Not located despite intensive searches and virtually no likelihood of rediscovery.

GH or SH = Possibly extinct or extirpated (historical). Historically occurred, but may be rediscovered. Its presence may not have been verified in the past 20–40 years. A species could become SH without such a 20–40 year delay if the only known occurrences in the state were destroyed or if it had been extensively and unsuccessfully looked for. The SH rank is reserved for species for which some effort has been made to relocate occurrences, rather than simply using this status for all elements not known from verified extant occurrences.

G1 or S1 = Critically imperiled. At high risk because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer occurrences), rapidly declining numbers, or other factors that make it particularly vulnerable to rangewide extinction or extirpation.

G2 or S2 = Imperiled. At risk because of restricted range, few populations (often 20 or fewer), rapidly declining numbers, or other factors that make it vulnerable to rangewide extinction or extirpation.

G3 or S3 = Vulnerable. At moderate risk because of restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors that make it vulnerable to rangewide extinction or extirpation.

G4 or S4 = Apparently secure. Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long–term concern due to declines or other factors.

G5 or S5 = Secure. Common, widespread, and abundant.

Other NatureServe and IDCDC ranks and rank qualifiers:

GNR or SNR = Not Ranked. Conservation status not yet assessed.

GU or SU = Unrankable. Currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting information about status or trends.

GNA or SNA = Not Applicable. A conservation status rank is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities.

G#G# or S#S# = range rank. A numeric range rank (e.g., S2S3) is used to indicate the range of uncertainty about the status of the species. Ranges cannot skip more than one rank (e.g., SU is used rather than S1S4).

B = Breeding. Conservation status refers to the breeding population of the species.

N = Nonbreeding. Conservation status refers to the non–breeding population of the species.

M = Migrant. Migrant species occurring regularly on migration at particular staging areas or concentration spots where the species might warrant conservation attention. Conservation status refers to the aggregating transient population of the species.

? = inexact or uncertain. Denotes inexact or uncertain numeric rank (e.g., S2?).

Q = Questionable taxonomy. Taxonomic distinctiveness of this entity at the current level is questionable; resolution of this uncertainty may result in change from a species to a subspecies or hybrid, or the inclusion of this taxon in another taxon, with the resulting taxon having a lower conservation priority.

T# = Infraspecific taxon (trinomial). The status of infraspecific taxa (subspecies or varieties) are indicated by a "T–rank" following the species' global rank. Rules for assigning T–ranks follow the same principles outlined above for global conservation status ranks. For example, the global rank of a critically imperiled subspecies of an otherwise widespread and common species would be G5T1. A T–rank cannot imply the subspecies or variety is more abundant than the species as a whole; for example, a G1T2 cannot occur. A vertebrate animal population, such as those listed as distinct population segments under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, may be considered an infraspecific taxon and assigned a T–rank; in such cases, a Q is used after the T–rank to denote the taxon's informal taxonomic status.

Endangered Species Act

Indicates the status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. §1531–1543; P.L. 93–205, as amended), based on categories defined by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

E = Listed Endangered. Species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

T = Listed Threatened. Species likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

XN = Experimental Population, Non–essential. A population (including its offspring) of a listed species designated by rule published in the Federal Register that is wholly separate geographically from other populations of the same species. An experimental population may be subject to less stringent prohibitions than are applied to the remainder of the species to which it belongs. An experimental “non–essential” population is a population whose loss would not appreciably reduce the prospect of survival of the species in the wild.

PE = Proposed Endangered. Species that is proposed in the Federal Register to be listed as endangered under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act.

PT = Proposed Threatened. Species that is proposed in the Federal Register to be listed as threatened under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act.

C = Candidate Taxon (candidate), Ready for Proposal. Species for which FWS or NOAA Fisheries has on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threats to support a proposal to list as endangered or threatened.

U. S. Forest Service

The Forest Service Manual (FSM 2670.22) directs the development of Sensitive Species lists. The Regional Forester (Northern Region, Region 1; and Intermountain Region, Region 4) designates Sensitive Species on National Forest lands in Idaho. This designation applies only on USFS–administered lands.

S = Sensitive Species. Animal species identified by the Regional Forester for which population viability is a concern, as evidenced by significant current or predicted downward trends in population numbers or significant current or predicted downward trends in habitat capability that would reduce a species’ existing distribution.

Bureau of Land Management

National policy directs State Directors to designate BLM sensitive species in cooperation with the State fish and wildlife agency (BLM manual 6840). The sensitive species designation is normally used for species that occur on BLM public lands and for which BLM has the capability to significantly affect the conservation status of the species through management.

Type 1 = Threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate. Species listed by the FWS or NMFS as threatened or endangered, or proposed or candidates for listing under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Type 2 = Rangewide/Globally imperiled. Species that are experiencing significant declines throughout their range with a high likelihood of being listed in the foreseeable future due to their rarity and/or significant endangerment factors. This includes species ranked by the NatureServe heritage program network with a Global rank of G1–G3 or T1–T3 or recent data indicate that the species is at significant rangewide risk and this is not currently reflected by heritage program global ranks.

Type 3 = Regional/State imperiled. Species that are experiencing significant declines in population or habitat and are in danger of regional or local extinctions in Idaho in the foreseeable future if factors contributing to their decline continues. This includes Idaho BLM sensitive species that (a) are not in Type 2, (b) have an S1 or S2 State rank (exception being a peripheral or disjunct species), or (c) score high (18 or greater) using the Criteria for Evaluating Animals for Sensitive Species Status or (d) other regional/national status evaluations (e.g., Partners in Flight scores) indicate significant declines.

Type 4 = Peripheral. Species that are generally rare in Idaho with the majority of their breeding range largely outside the state (Idaho Conservation Data Center 1994). This includes sensitive species that have an S1 or S2 state ranking, but are peripheral species to Idaho.

Type 5 = Watch list. These species are not considered BLM sensitive species and associated sensitive species policy guidance does not apply. Watch list species include species that may be added to the sensitive species list depending on new information concerning threats, species’ biology or statewide trends. The Watch List include species with insufficient data on population or habitat trends or the threats are poorly understood. However, there are indications that these species may warrant special status species designation and appropriate inventory or research efforts should be a management priority.

Idaho Department of Fish and Game

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission is authorized under Sections 36–104(b) and 36–201, Idaho Code, to adopt rules concerning the taking of wildlife species and the classification of all wildlife in the state of Idaho. These rules are cited in full as IDAPA 13.01.06.000, et seq., Rules of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, IDAPA 13.01.06, “Rules Governing Classification and Protection of Wildlife" (PDF Format, 2.4 MB). These rules were last updated in 2005.

Endangered. Any native species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its Idaho range.

Threatened. Any native species likely to be classified as Endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its Idaho range.

Game Species. Those species of wildlife classified as Big Game Animals, Upland Game Animals, Game Birds, Migratory Birds, Game Fish, Crustacea, or Furbearing Animals may be taken only in accordance with Idaho law and rules established by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission.

Protected Nongame and Threatened or Endangered Species. No person shall take or possess those species of wildlife classified as Protected Nongame, or Threatened or Endangered at any time or in any manner, except as provided in Sections 36–106(e) and 36–1107, Idaho Code, by Commission rule, or IDAPA 13.01.10, “Rules Governing the Importation, Possession, Release, Sale, or Salvage of Wildlife,” Subsection 100.06.b. Protected Nongame status is not intended to prevent unintentional take of these species, protection of personal health and/or safety, limit property and building management, or prevent management of animals to address public health concerns or agricultural damage.

Unprotected and Predatory Wildlife. Those species of wildlife classified as Unprotected Wildlife and Predatory Wildlife may be taken in any amount, at any time, and in any manner not prohibited by state or federal law, by holders of the appropriate valid Idaho hunting, trapping, or combination hunting and fishing licenses, provided such taking is not in violation of state, county, or city laws, ordinances, or regulations.