For the first time since 1999, New York State’s List of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern has been updated. Additions include a recently discovered species of frog (Atlantic coast leopard frog) and species recently classified under the federal Endangered Species Act. The status of all native fish species in New York has been assessed as well.
The list highlights promising news for some species like round whitefish, where active restoration efforts in Adirondack waters have boosted their numbers. Recovering species such as bluebreast darter and Eastern sand darter can be attributed to water quality improvements across the state.
However, populations of some species such as burbot, lake whitefish, several minnow species, and longnose sucker are declining due to the introduction of invasive species and habitat loss.
DEC anticipates addressing groups of related species in separate rulemakings over the next two years. Future revisions for amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, birds, and mammals are planned in the coming months and details are expected to be posted on the DEC website.
View the full list of changes to the List of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Fish and Wildlife Species of New York State (PDF).
Photo of Atlantic coast leopard frog by John Butler.
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