The Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office was established in 1995 primarily to work on recovery and regulatory issues related to the Mojave population of the threatened desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), and to help with efforts to conserve native desert fishes in southern Nevada.

In April 2025, the Southern Nevada Office merged with the Palm Springs Fish and Wildlife Office.
Mojave Desert tortoise captive care guidance

Captive care guidance was developed to promote the survival of wild Mojave desert tortoises temporarily placed in captive environments, a captive husbandry complex, research enclosures, or holding pens. This guidance provides a detailed overview of animal husbandry and the related husbandry plan for all projects anticipating the placement of tortoises in captivity. You can find the guidance on the Desert Tortoise Recovery Office website.

Latest News

Ute Ladies’-tresses
Endangered Species Act
Ute Ladies’-tresses Proposed for Delisting Due to Conservation Efforts
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is announcing the proposed removal of the Ute ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) from the list of threatened and endangered species due to advancements in recovery for this species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The proposed rule is now...
A flowering bush with small pale pink flowers
Endangered Species Act
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service completes 90-day finding for species in California, Nevada and Oregon
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has completed initial 90-day findings on petitions to list the Crater Lake newt, Tecopa bird’s beak and the San Francisco estuary population of white sturgeon under the Endangered Species Act. The Fish and Wildlife Service’s review found the petitions presented...
A bright yellow flower in a desert landscape with mountains in the background
Endangered Species Act
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determines Las Vegas bearpoppy does not need ESA protections
Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the Las Vegas bearpoppy does not require protections under the Endangered Species Act.
desert tortoise sitting in a shaded area next to purple flowers
Desert Tortoise Week 2024
The Sixth Annual Desert Tortoise Week is scheduled for September 30 to October 4, 2024.
Brown salamander with yellow spots
Endangered Species Act
10 Species Get Initial Reviews on Endangered Species Act Petitions
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has completed its 90-day findings on petitions to list 10 species under the Endangered Species Act. Based on the Service’s review, the petitions to list the betta hendra, betta rutilans, Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander, pygmy rabbit,...
Blue-colored butterfly perched on a yellow flower
Service publishes recovery plan for the endangered Mount Charleston blue butterfly
Service publishes recovery plan for the endangered Mount Charleston blue butterfly
View All News

About Us

Our office is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, within the Mojave Desert. The map below depicts our office's coverage area. Nevada is home to more endangered endemic fishes than anywhere else in the country, as isolated aquatic systems across this driest state have allowed for genetic changes that can generate new forms. View locations of desert fishes found within our office's coverage area.

Map depicting area of southern Nevada covered by the Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Ofice
Image Details

What We Do

The Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office partners with federal and state agencies, conservation organizations, and private citizens to recover federally listed species designated under the Endangered Species Act.

Our Organization

Mojave Desert Tortoise facing out of burrow
The Desert Tortoise Recovery Office works to provide effective and coordinated recovery, research, and monitoring activities for the Mojave desert tortoise; provide a sound and defensible scientific basis for decision-making; assess the benefits of recovery actions; provide information and...
Program
Las Vegas,NV
A large bird with brown feathers, white head, and yellow beak flies against a pale blue sky
The Migratory Bird Program works with partners to protect, restore and conserve bird populations and their habitats for the benefit of future generations by: ensuring long-term ecological sustainability of all migratory bird populations, increasing socioeconomic benefits derived from birds,...
Program
Washington,DC
A rocky shoreline of a river. The water is calm. Mist and green branches line the river.
The Ecological Services Program works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, we work with federal, state, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to...
Program
Baileys Crossroads,VA
Close up of a California condor. Its pink featherless head contrasts with its black feathers.
We provide national leadership in the recovery and conservation of our nation's imperiled plant and animal species, working with experts in the scientific community to identify species on the verge of extinction and to build the road to recovery to bring them back. We work with a range of public...
Program
Baileys Crossroads,VA
A duck flies over a tundra pond.
We use the best scientific information available to determine whether to add a species to (list) or remove from (delist) the federal lists of endangered and threatened wildlife and plants. We also determine whether already listed species should be reclassified from threatened to endangered (uplist...
Program
Baileys Crossroads,VA
Condor soars over mountain ridge.
We work with partners to conserve the ecosystems upon which endangered species and threatened species depend, developing and maintaining conservation programs for these species to improve their status to the point that Endangered Species Act protection is no longer necessary for survival. This...
Program
Baileys Crossroads,VA
Partners for Fish and Wildlife: Nevada Coordinator Susan Abele Meets with Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Member to Conduct a Site Visit at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation
The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land. Since 1987, we have helped more than 30,000 landowners to complete more than 50,...
Program

Our Species

The Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office works with many partners on recovery efforts for 28 threatened and endangered species, including amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates, plants and reptiles.

Location and Contact Information