Categories of Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species in New Jersey
Categories under N.J.S.A. 23:2A:
Endangered Species are those whose prospects for survival in New Jersey are in immediate
danger because of a loss or change in habitat, over-exploitation, predation, competition, disease,
disturbance or contamination. Assistance is needed to prevent future extinction in New Jersey.
Threatened Species are those who may become endangered if conditions surrounding them
begin to or continue to deteriorate. Thus, a Threatened species is one that is already vulnerable
as a result of, for example, small population size, restricted range, narrow habitat affinities,
significant population decline, etc.
Special Concern applies to species that warrant special attention because of some evidence of
decline, inherent vulnerability to environmental deterioration, or habitat modification that would
result in their becoming a "Threatened" species. This category would also be applied to species
that meet the foregoing criteria and for which there is little understanding of their current
population status in the state.
(Note - The category "Special Concern" is not defined under N.J.S.A. 23:2A )
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New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife
Endangered & Nongame
Species Program