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Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive Species

The Threatened, Endangered & Sensitive (TES) Species Program is dedicated to conserve and recover plant and animal species that need special management attention and to restore National Forest and Grassland ecosystems and habitats. 

From 1980 to 2009, the number of species endangered or threatened with extinction and listed under the Endangered Species Act rose from 281 to 1,319.  In 2008, 422 (32 percent) of those species either use National Forest/Grassland habitats or are potentially affected by Forest Service management activities.  Some 251 other species are candidates for listing (i.e., meet listing criteria, but have not yet been formally proposed), and over 50 of those occur on National Forest or Grasslands.

The TES program involves a variety of activities conducted by our agency and partners, including inventory and monitoring, habitat assessments, habitat improvements through vegetation treatments and structure installation, species reintroductions, development of conservation strategies, research, and information and education. Working with other Federal and State agencies, academic institutions, private organizations and citizens is vital to leverage limited resources and achieve effective on-the-ground conservation accomplishments. 

Mexican Spotted Owl

A mexican spotted owl looks towards the camera

Continuing efforts for the recovery of the Mexican Spotted owl.

Spotted Owl

NM Meadow Jumping Mouse

close up of a small meadow mouse

A rare subspecies found primarily near streams and wetlands in parts of New Mexico, eastern Arizona, and southern Colorado.

Jumping Mouse

Animal and Plant Sensitive Species Lists

Last updated April 1, 2025

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