New York has 1000's of species ranging in size from microbes to moose. Some we know well, such as pigeons, gray squirrels, bullfrogs and field crickets. Others, like slime molds, are still a mystery to most of the state citizens and even scientists.

Endangered species are those plants and animals that are in such low numbers they are in danger of extinction. Threatened species are those species that are in danger of becoming endangered. Both endangered and threatened species are protected by law in New York State and by the United States Government.

For information about the US endangered species act and lists of species:
http://endangered.fws.gov/wildlife.html#Species

For information about the species listed as Endangered or threatened in New York State http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/endspec/etsclist.html

The state has 22 federally listed threatened and endangered species http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/endspec/etsclist.html

Extinct Species are those species that have entirely died out and no longer exist on earth.
Some extinct species used to live in New York State.

Extirpated species are those species that used to live in the state but can no longer be found here, thought they may still be found living in nearby states.

Rare Species

New York has 1000's of species ranging in size from microbes to moose. Some we know well, such as pigeons, gray squirrels, bullfrogs and field crickets. Others, like slime molds, are still a mystery to most of the state citizens and even scientists. Rare and imperiled species are those species that are found in very low numbers or are in decline.

Species Groups Overview

Scientists group species into broad categories, based on differences or similarities in body characteristics, reproduction and/or in DNA. Within each category, scientists from throughout New York state are compiling summaries of what is known about selected groups or species. Once completed and reviewed by other scientists, each summary will be available on this web site. Summaries include information about the taxa (species or group), life history characteristics, status and distribution in the state, and survey, research and conservation needs . Species lists or links to existing species lists will be provided, if available. We have divided New York’s species into the following categories.

If you have expertise in a group that is not currently covered and would like to contribute, please contact Liz Johnson at ejohnson@amnh.org

This web site was developed by the New York State Biodiversity Project
and is maintained by the New York State Biodiversity Research Institute