RARE ANIMALS

Louisiana's Rare Animal Species of Conservation Concern

Adult Gopher Tortoise

The Louisiana Natural Heritage program maintains a comprehensive, computerized database on the occurrences of rare animal species. These data are collected by staff, university researchers, or gleaned from the literature. Our database is used by the general public, researchers, private industry and government agencies in conservation and planning efforts. There are still many natural areas in Louisiana that have not been surveyed and records for new occurrences of animals are continuously added to the database and other occurrence records may change as new information is gathered.

The Louisiana Rare Animal Species List, last updated in 2005, contains 162 species of invertebrate (mollusks and snails, crustaceans and insects) and vertebrate animals (fish, amphibians, reptiles, bird and mammals). More than half of these species are considered by LNHP to be critically imperiled or imperiled due to their rarity or vulnerability. Furthermore, there are 28 species presently listed as federally Threatened or Endangered, and three are candidates for federal listing. Explanations of the global and state rankings may be found following the listing of species.

Juvenile Gopher Tortoise

The LA Natural heritage Program welcomes and encourages input concerning the rare species lists. If you would like to take an active part in protecting Louisiana's rare animal species, please contact us (225-765-2820) with any of the following information:

1. Mapped location information for any rare animal populations. Please fill out our Rare Species Reporting Form and mail it to the address listed on the form, or call or send an e-mail message to our staff.
2. Any data indicating that a species should be either added or removed from our listing.
3. Documentation of existing habitat pressures that threaten populations of rare animals.
4. Literature citations, references or other information on the biology and ecology of our state's rare animal species.
5. Any other information that might be helpful in supporting the conservation, protection and/or management of LA's rare animal species and their habitats.

Louisiana Rare Animals & Related Topics

Louisiana Animals of Conservation Concern

Louisiana Black Bear Information

Florida Panther ID Tips

Ivory-billed Woodpecker ID Tips

Swallowed-tailed Kite Sightings

Bibliography for Identification of Louisiana Wildlife

Rare Species Reporting Form

Rare Animal Fact Sheets

Rare Animals of the Coastal Zone Fact Sheets

Rare Animals - G1 and G2 Species

Contact

Any questions, concerns, information requests concerning LA rare animals are welcomed and should be directed to:

Louisiana Natural Heritage Program
Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries
P.O. Box 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
(225) 765-2821