Species of Greatest
will the Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) list be
The SGCN list will be evaluated every five years as part of
ongoing revision efforts.
species added or deleted from the Species of Greatest Conservation
Need (SGCN) list?
Changes are being made to ensure the list remains up to date and
reflects the best available scientific information. Florida's
original Action Plan included a list of 974 species identified by
experts and stakeholders as having the greatest conservation needs
in the state. One of the main goals of the Legacy Initiative
is to identify these vulnerable species and ensure that actions are
taken for their conservation.
How was the
Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) list
Five teams of FWC species experts (focusing separately on
mammals, birds, reptiles/amphibians, fish and invertebrates)
developed criteria to determine which species should be included on
the new list. The new SGCN list will be finalized after a
broad outreach effort to wildlife experts, stakeholders and the
How will the
Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) list be
The SGCN list is an available resource with the purpose and
intent to identify species which are imperiled, or are at risk of
becoming imperiled in the future. The goal is for the list to be a
useful asset to the conservation community to aid conservation
efforts for the protection of Florida's wildlife species.
What if I
don't agree with criteria, a species identified on the list or a
habitat association for a species on the list?
Please send feedback on how the list, criteria or habitat
association can be improved to: ActionPlan.Revision@myfwc.com.
The Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) criteria
incorporates the best available scientific information while
allowing for expert input. Having defensible criteria ensures
a more scientifically rigorous list, however, no set of criteria or
list will ever be free from subjectivity. The process has
been designed to incorporate extensive input from experts,
stakeholders and the public. Comments to improve the list and
process are encouraged.