Georgia is updating its list of endangered species for the first time since 1992.
Currently the state describes 117 animals, from the pocket-sized flatwoods salamander to the bus-length North Atlantic right whale, as either rare, threatened or endangered. Another 103 species of plants are also listed.
Although the list affords plants and animals on it little legal protection, it does spur protection and research from public and private groups. The state list by law includes all Georgia species that occur on the federal endangered species list. Addition to the federal endangered species list is a separate and lengthy process. Nathan Klaus, a senior wildlife biologist with the Department of Natural Resources, expects the state list to grow.
"The last series of listings put species on the radar that we've learned a lot more about," he said.
The cerulean warbler, a bright blue insect eater known for its buzzing trill, may be nominated. Its cousin, the golden-winged warbler, is another candidate, he said. So are some aquatic species such as fresh water mussels and small, non-game fish, that have suffered as river levels declined in recent droughts.
"Quite a few aquatic species have dwindled or disappeared," Klaus said.
Some species may come off the list, too, possibly the relict toadshade, a woodland plant of the lily family whose flower smells like rotting meat.
It was perceived to be rare when it was first listed, but not anymore.
"The more you start looking, the more you start finding," Klaus said.
Wildlife enthusiasts have the opportunity to assist the listing process. The DNR is accepting nominations for this revision until April 20. (See box for details.)
Pat Metz, an enthusiastic birder who is also a supervisory refuge ranger with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has noted declines in many bird species.
She'd like to see painted buntings on the list. Their gaudy mix of red, blue and green makes these birds a cinch to identify, if only there were any to see.
"On the spring migration we don't get the number of painted buntings we used to," Metz said. "Their numbers are way down except on the refuge."
They used to be abundant on places like Wilmington Island, but as it built up, their numbers plummeted.
The state listing of a species has little effect on private property owners, Klaus said. It can only be used to deter the illegal harvest of plants and animals and protect habitats on public lands.
"(The listing) really doesn't have any teeth to it," Klaus said. "It's not intended to have teeth."
The listing does guide conservation groups like The Nature Conservancy in their efforts to preserve species.
Amanda Wrona, the director of TNC's Savannah River Project was able to focus research efforts on the shoals spiderlily, a water plant that's listed by Georgia but not on the federal endangered species list.
"As a scientist you have to use a systematic way of picking where to work," said Wrona, director of the Savannah River project. "It helps guide our conservation planning."