The Role of Citizens in Endangered Species

Monitoring

Rori PaloskiWisconsin Department of Natural

Resources

I. Rare species definitions

II. Examples of successful citizen monitoring programs involving rare species

III. Issues to consider

IV. Where is rare species data stored?

V. How to report rare species data

VI. Potential future projects

Rare Species Definitions

Endangered - any species whose continued existence as a viable component of this state's wild animals or wild plants is determined by the Department to be in jeopardy on the basis of scientific evidence.

Threatened - any species which appears likely, within the foreseeable future, on the basis of scientific evidence to become endangered.

Special Concern - problem of abundance or distribution is suspected but not yet proven.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) - Wildlife Action Plan term; native wildlife species most at risk of declining to the point where they are no longer a viable part of Wisconsin's fauna, includes all state and federally listed animal species

Rare - a species that is uncommon; a general term to include all endangered, threatened, special concern and SGCN

Rare Species Monitoring

Breeding Bird Survey (BBS)

WI Statewide Small Mammal Inventory

WI Odonata Survey

Bullsnake Sighting Initiative

WI Frog and Toad Survey (WFTS)

Winter Track Count

WI Herp Atlas

Western Great Lakes Region Owl Monitoring

Issues to Consider – Species Experts

• Work closely with a DNR/university/federal researcher specializing in the target species or taxa group

• Assist in multiple aspects of the project:Project planningSpecific permits and regulationSpecies identification

Issues to Consider – Private Land

• Always get permission before entering private land

• Even if you know permission is not needed or you are working on public land, alert the landowner or property manager

• Right-of-way regulations• Ordinary high water mark

Issues to Consider – Habitat Disturbance

• Some rare species are especially vulnerable to disturbance

• Work with a species expert on appropriate field techniques

Issues to Consider - Handling

• “Endangered and Threatened Species Permit” required for many activities including transporting, handling or possessing a rare species

• Variety of other permits may be required

• Follow all state and federal regulations

• Established protocols for safe handling

Issues to Consider - Identification

• Some rare species are very difficult to identify

• Work with a species expert

• Documentation

Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) Database

• International network• Established by The Nature Conservancy• Coordinated by NatureServe

• “NHI Working List”

• Sources: researchers, museum records, published reports, field data

• Purpose: management, planning, environmental review

Reporting Rare Species Data

• Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) Database– Rare Animal Field Report (DNR Form 1700-048)

Reporting Rare Species Data

• Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) Database– Rare Animal Field Report (DNR Form 1700-048)– Rare Plant Field Report (DNR Form 1700-049)

Reporting Rare Species Data

• Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) Database– Rare Animal Field Report (DNR Form 1700-048)– Rare Plant Field Report (DNR Form 1700-049)

• WI NatureMapping

• Work directly with species experts

Potential Future Projects

Where to find existing projects that include rare species:

• “Who’s Who of Citizen-based Monitoring in Wisconsin”(subject, county and organization)

• Work with a species expert

How to start a new project involving rare species:• Look at state priorities: Wildlife Action Plan (WAP), Wisconsin

Bird Conservation Initiative (WBCI), EcoAtlas• Work with a species expert

CBM Partnership Program priorities:• Gaps in current monitoring• Multiple species• State priorities

Questions?