Georgia Protected Species List: Proposed Updates

DNR is proposing updates to Georgia’s protected species list. The list includes plant and animal species protected under the Georgia Endangered Wildlife Act of 1973 (O.C.G.A. § 27-3-5) or Wildflower Preservation Act of 1973 (O.C.G.A. § 12-6-3), as detailed in Subject 391-4-10: Protection of Endangered, Threatened, Rare or Unusual Species of the Rules of Georgia DNR.

These are the Georgia species considered most in need of conservation. State listing prohibits intentionally harming protected animals and removing plants from state lands without a permit or from private land without the landowner’s permission. It also encourages voluntary conservation to protect habitats, focuses DNR efforts to prevent species from declining to the point they need protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and authorizes the agency to work with federally listed wildlife.

DNR periodically reviews the list and recommends revisions as needed. The proposed changes – the first since 2006 – include adding and removing species, updating scientific names, and matching the status of species to their federal listing. The amendments also would add an exception that allows for the sale of certain protected plant species grown in captivity.

The proposed changes were developed by technical teams charged with reviewing the conservation status of plants and animals for the 2025 revision of Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan. Public nominations were received during June 2026, and the Wildlife Action Plan technical teams revised the draft list. The amendments to rules 391-4-10-.09 and 391-4-10-.07 of Subject 391-4-10: Protection of Endangered, Threatened, Rare or Unusual Species are available for comment from August 28 to September 20, 2026, before being recommended to the Board of Natural Resources for adoption.

 

Resources
Listing Criteria

Criteria for state-listing of a species include:

  • The present or threatened destruction, modification or curtailment of its habitat.
  • Overutilization for commercial, sporting, scientific or educational purposes. 
  • Disease or predation. 
  • The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms. 
  • Other natural or man-made factors affecting its continued existence.

DNR’s primary data source for evaluating these criteria is Georgia's 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan. This comprehensive, statewide strategy used hundreds of experts to assess the conservation status of Georgia’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need based on rarity, trends and threats.  

Species protected under the Georgia Endangered Wildlife Act of 1973 or Wildflower Preservation Act of 1973 and detailed in Subject 391-4-10: Protection of Endangered, Threatened, Rare or Unusual Species are classified as follows.

  • Endangered: Any resident species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, or one which is designated as endangered under the provisions of the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973
  • Threatened: Any resident species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range or one that is designated as threatened under the provisions of the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973.
  • Rare: Any resident species that, although not presently endangered or threatened as defined, should be protected because of its scarcity.
  • Unusual: Any resident species that exhibits special or unique features and because of these features deserves special consideration in its continued survival in the state.
Public Comment Period

The public is encouraged to provide comments on the proposed changes to Georgia’s Protected Species List. The public comment period is open from August 28 to September 20, 2026. Interested individuals may submit comments on the proposed amendments to rules 391-4-10-.09 and 391-4-10-.07 of Subject 391-4-10: Protection of Endangered, Threatened, Rare or Unusual Species by:

  • Sending an email to wcscomments@dnr.ga.gov with the subject line Protected Species List.
  • Calling the DNR Wildlife Conservation Section at (706) 557-3213.
  • Submitting a written statement. Written statements provided by mail should be sent to the attention of Trina Morris at:
    Georgia Department of Natural Resources
    Wildlife Resources Conservation Center
    2065 U.S. Hwy. 278 SE
    Social Circle, GA  30025

Statements sent by mail must be received before the close of business (4:30 p.m.) on September 20, 2026.

Comments on the proposed regulations can also be provided during a public hearing scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on September 8, 2026, at the Wildlife Resources Division Headquarters Office, 2067 U.S. Hwy. 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025.

Any participant at the hearing may present data, make a statement or comment, or offer a viewpoint or argument, either orally or in writing. Statements should be concise to permit everyone an opportunity to comment. Participants in the hearing are required to register on arrival and to notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement. Participants may also bring a written copy of their statement.

The state Board of Natural Resources will consider the proposed amendments and any comments received at the board meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 27, 2026, in the DNR Board Room at 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SE Suite 1252 East, Atlanta, GA 30334.