Utah’s Wildlife Plan Aims To Protect 256 At-risk Species

The Utah Wildlife Action Plan is a comprehensive, 10-year strategy covering the period from 2025 to 2035. It identifies native species at risk and the habitats they depend on, while also outlining threats such as habitat loss, invasive species, and climate-related challenges. The plan serves as a guiding framework for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and its partners as they prioritize conservation actions and allocate resources where they are most needed.

According to a DWR press release, Utah Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator Scott Gibson said the proactive approach outlined in the plan helps prevent species from being listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. By doing so, wildlife management remains at the state level, saving taxpayer dollars, providing regulatory stability for businesses, and preserving Utah’s well-known hunting, angling, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The plan also emphasizes the need for both funding and matching funds to support conservation projects statewide.

Action Plan Will Help 256 Species

In total, the plan identifies 256 species of greatest conservation need in Utah. That list includes four amphibians, 23 bird species, 14 mammals, four reptiles, 22 fish species, 27 mollusks, 16 insects, and a significant 146 plant species, underscoring the broad scope of conservation challenges across Utah’s diverse landscapes.

Conservation partners highlighted the collaborative nature of the plan and its long-term importance. Utah Wildlife Federation Conservation Director Isobel Lingenfelter noted that these partnerships form the backbone of conservation efforts and help ensure future generations can enjoy Utah’s wildlife. Utah’s Hogle Zoo also emphasized its role, particularly in research and recovery efforts for the Western toad, one of the amphibians identified as a species of greatest conservation need.

Read More: How Volunteers Help Wildlife In Utah

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Members of the public can play a role by volunteering on conservation projects with DWR and partner organizations or by contributing wildlife observations through community science platforms like iNaturalist and eBird. More information about the plan and the species it supports is available through the DWR website and a related Wild podcast episode.