Rare and Endangered Species

Rhode Island has 16 federally listed threatened and endangered species. Although an inventory has not been conducted in the last ten years, Rick Encer at the Natural Heritage Program, believes that nothing has changed with respect to the amount of endangered species in the state. An annual survey also determined that there is no loss of native species as well. This fact may be misleading, however. It can not be assumed that the state's endangered species are doing well because their numbers have remained unchanged. Habitat quality and management also need to be assesed (see Future Objectives). The status of endangered and threatened species is still of great concern. About 28% of the state's 284 known native vertebrate species including a variety of mammals, reptiles, fish and birds are rare or endangered. Among the important habitats for threatened and endangered species are freshwater wetlands. Moreover, about 23% of approximately 1300 native plant species in Rhode Island are species of concern that are becoming increasingly rare, threatened or endangered.

The RIGIS Coverage on the left shows the wildlife management areas owned by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and estimated habitat and range of rare species and noteworthy natural communities. It is evident from the coverage that rare species habitat does not completely overlap with the DEM management areas. This implies that more critical habitats need to be acquired for protection and management. Cooperative efforts including partnerships between the DEM, and private land conservation organizations like the Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy have helped to protect some critical habitats. However, the fact that much of the land is fragmented still remains. Protecting key parcels should be a major objective in preventing further fragmentation (see Future Objectives).

Habitat Main/ Open Space Main / RI Indicators