Bell City, Louisiana: Alligator looking for fun. Photo by Corey Douglas.

Conservation in Louisiana

Threatened, endangered and at-risk species

        Louisiana is rich with diverse ecosystems—ranging from the marshes and open water along the coast, to the wetlands that help protect New Orleans from hurricanes and provide a nursery to the fisheries that support the region’s food economy, to the wild bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin, to bottomland hardwood forests of the Mississippi Delta. These locations are teeming with wildlife. They provide critical wintering habitat for thousands of ducks and geese. Neotropical songbirds, shorebirds, reptiles, mammal such as bear and white-tailed deer, and numerous other species also make their home in Louisiana’s wildlands.

        Related content

        1. A yellow brick building with lots of windows.
          Lafayette

          Louisiana Ecological Services Field Office
        2. Small pink birds with rounded bills wade through the shallow water.
          Lafayette

          For coastal communities
        3. Birds flying around boom floating in the water to contain an oil spill.
          Lafayette

          Environmental contaminants
        4. Heavy machinery.
          Lafayette

          For developers: Conservation planning assistance
        5. Map of wetlands across the country.
          Lafayette

          Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
        6. Thousands of geese taking flight.
          Lafayette

          Migratory birds
        7. A map of the Louisiana delta with hundreds of points.
          Lafayette

          Freedom of Information Act
        8. Thousands of pelicans dot an island landscape shot from above Aug 20, 2019 | 4 minute read
          Articles

          Streamlined environmental compliance process benefits brown pelican rookery
        9. Thousands of pelicans dot an island landscape shot from above Jul 16, 2019 | 4 minute read
          Articles

          A head start on healing
        10. Pelicans dot an island landscape shot from above with a single large pelican flying near the elevated camera. Jun 14, 2019 | 3 minute read
          Articles

          Island restoration project and partnerships playing key role in future of the brown pelican
        11. A biologist dressed for cold weather holds an acient-looking fish on a boat at sea Apr 11, 2019 | 2 minute read
          News

          U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducts five-year status review of Atlantic sturgeon (Gulf subspecies)
        12. A bird of prey flying over a wetland. Apr 11, 2019 | 6 minute read
          News

          U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducts five-year status reviews of 36 Southeastern species
        13. A dozen or so small grey fish next to a ruler. Mar 12, 2019 | 3 minute read
          Articles

          Looking for the saltmarsh topminnow in coastal Louisiana
        14. Hundreds of shore birds line a sand bank with yellow oil boom in the background. Feb 6, 2019 | 4 minute read
          Articles

          Restoring a buffet for birds on North Breton Island
        15. Eight volunteers, half women, half men, pose in front of the welcome sign at Bayou Teche NWR Jan 30, 2019 | 2 minute read
          Articles

          Bayou Teche boardwalk trail open for adventure thanks to volunteers
        16. Dec 10, 2018 | 2 minute read
          News

          New regional director to head southeastern conservation efforts Fish and Wildlife Service
        17. A scruffy looking white-tailed deer that appears to be ill and underweight. Oct 26, 2018 | 6 minute read
          Articles

          Stopping a killer
        18. A small black bird flies over a lush green marsh Oct 5, 2018 | 12 minute read
          Faq

          Proposed listing for the eastern black rail
        19. A small black bird with red eyes walks in the marsh grasses. Oct 5, 2018 | 5 minute read
          News

          Service proposes to list the eastern black rail as threatened under the Endangered Species Act
        20. Sep 27, 2018 | 1 minute read
          Articles

          Fishing for Angels
        21. A patterned black and gray snake blends in to the strewn, dark pine needles on the forest floor. Sep 18, 2018 | 1 minute read
          News

          Notice of Availability of a draft environmental assessment for a proposed rule under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act for the Louisiana pinesnake
        22. Sep 6, 2018 | 4 minute read
          Articles

          Service uses weevils to control invasive salvinia that threatens Louisiana coast
        23. A man wearing an orange Tennessee NWR shirt releases a brownish grey bird, which takes flight. Sep 4, 2018 | 8 minute read
          Articles

          Banded together
        24. hundreds of birds dot a small island below a bright blue sky. Aug 3, 2018 | 2 minute read
          Articles

          Preconstruction monitoring activities kick off on North Breton Island Louisiana
        25. A biologist holds a long snake in front of a crowd of interns. Jun 8, 2018 | 1 minute read
          Articles

          Federal agencies helping landowners rebuild habitat for Louisiana pinesnake
        26. May 31, 2018 | 2 minute read
          Articles

          2018 Family Adventure Day in Louisiana
        27. hundreds of birds dot a small island below a bright blue sky. May 31, 2018 | 3 minute read
          Articles

          Meet the Gulf Restoration Office
        28. A patterned black and gray snake blends in to the strewn, dark pine needles on the forest floor. Apr 5, 2018 | 8 minute read
          Faq

          Listing of the Louisiana pinesnake under the ESA, and the Louisiana pinesnake proposed 4(d) rule
        29. A patterned black and gray snake blends in to the strewn, dark pine needles on the forest floor. Apr 5, 2018 | 4 minute read
          News

          U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protects rare constrictor snake of Louisiana, Texas; proposes additional conservation measures
        30. Mar 20, 2018 | 4 minute read
          News

          Secretary Zinke announces more that $1.1 billion for sportsmen and conservation
        31. Biologists wearing white gowns head-to-toe walking through nets in a marsh holding whooping cranes. Mar 7, 2018 | 2 minute read
          News

          U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers changes to protect endangered whooping cranes
        32. Three Native American men stand in front of a sign. Jan 23, 2018 | 4 minute read
          Articles

          Woven from the Landscape
        33. A cluster of carnivorious plant heads with bright red/orange mouths. Dec 19, 2017 | 5 minute read
          News

          Bat, snail, and popular plant may need endangered species protection
        34. A woodpecker perched on a tree with a bug in its mouth Nov 20, 2017 | 9 minute read
          Articles

          The woodpecker’s journey
        35. A building built on steel footings ready for hurricane force winds. Nov 9, 2017 | 5 minute read
          Articles

          Service facilities built to withstand nature’s worst
        36. Bright green grass emerges from a huge marsh. Nov 8, 2017 | 7 minute read
          Articles

          Refuges reach out to urban visitors
        37. A team of USFWS employees gather in a circle for directions from Incident Commander Sami Gray. Oct 16, 2017 | 10 minute read
          Articles

          A tough woman gets the job done
        38. A patterned black and gray snake blends in to the strewn, dark pine needles on the forest floor. Oct 5, 2017 | 2 minute read
          News

          U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service extends deadline on Louisiana pinesnake ruling
        39. A colorful radar map. Oct 4, 2017 | 2 minute read
          News

          Rain coming
        40. A dozen large birds on the edge of a mangrove island. Oct 3, 2017 | 3 minute read
          News

          How to manage 45 important coastal species in the face of environmental changes
        41. A dozen visitors sitting at picknic tables listen to the refuge manager. Sep 26, 2017 | 2 minute read
          Articles

          International delegates tour Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
        42. A small, long fish with dark spots and a long dorsal fin in an aquarium. Sep 19, 2017 | 4 minute read
          Faq

          Final Rule to List the Pearl darter as Threatened
        43. A small, long fish with dark spots and a long dorsal fin in an aquarium. Sep 19, 2017 | 3 minute read
          News

          U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service extends Endangered Species Act protection to rare fish
        44. A group of USFWS personnel in a circle for a meeting. Sep 13, 2017 | 2 minute read
          News

          Service crews head south
        45. A massive spinning cloud mass between Cuba and the Bahamas. Sep 9, 2017 | 2 minute read
          News

          Irma aims at Keys, Georgia, Alabama
        46. A man posing for a selfie in front of the Pelican Island NWR sign. Aug 14, 2017 | 3 minute read
          Articles

          Jeremy Edwardson, deputy project leader at the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge Complex
        47. A small brown bat on the roof of a cave with a fuzzy white fungus on its nose. Jul 17, 2017 | 3 minute read
          News

          Fish and Wildlife Service directs money to Southeast to fight bat disease
        48. A young woman in waders fishing in a shallow river. Jun 14, 2017 | 2 minute read
          News

          Interior Secretary Zinke announces $1.1 billion in funding for state wildlife agencies; more than $243 million to Southeast U.S.
        49. Three small black bear cubs yawning in unison. May 19, 2017 | 3 minute read
          News

          2017 Endangered Species Day Events
        50. A biologist showing off a Louisiana pinsnake. May 3, 2017 | 1 minute read
          Articles

          Family adventure day in Louisiana
        51. A female volunteer adding fish food to a pond. May 3, 2017 | 1 minute read
          Articles

          Volunteers spruce up Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery
        52. Biologists wearing white gowns head-to-toe walking through nets in a marsh holding whooping cranes. May 3, 2017 | 2 minute read
          Articles

          Whooping crane reintroduction continues in Louisiana
        53. Four manatees and a school of fish assemble under crystal clear water. Mar 30, 2017 | 4 minute read
          News

          Manatee reclassified from endangered to threatened as habitat improves and population expands - existing federal protections remain in place
        54. A patterned black and gray snake blends in to the strewn, dark pine needles on the forest floor. Oct 5, 2016 | 4 minute read
          News

          Louisiana pinesnake proposed to be added as threatened under the Endangered Species Act
        55. A patterned black and gray snake blends in to the strewn, dark pine needles on the forest floor. Oct 5, 2016 | 7 minute read
          Faq

          Proposed listing of the Louisiana pinesnake under the Endangered Species Act, and the proposed 4(d) exemption rule
        56. A small, long fish with dark spots and a long dorsal fin in an aquarium. Sep 20, 2016 | 4 minute read
          News

          U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to list pearl darter as threatened
        57. Two birds on a grassy plain. Sep 1, 2016 | 4 minute read
          News

          Service creates ESA listing workplan to provide predictability and encourage proactive conservation of imperiled wildlife
        58. A small mouse white white belly and sand-colored back hides behind beach vegetation. Aug 30, 2016 | 5 minute read
          News

          Fish and Wildlife Service conducting five-year status reviews of 22 Southeastern species
        59. Bright green needles emerge from a central cone of a longleaf pine tree Apr 6, 2016 | 3 minute read
          News

          Seeing the forest for the trees
        60. A close up photo of a gray-silver salamander walking on a layer of wet moss. Mar 15, 2016 | 2 minute read
          News

          Four Southeastern species do not require federal protection, two others under further review
        61. Biologist Maria Davidson wearing camoflage holding a Louisiana black bear cub Mar 10, 2016 | 2 minute read
          Articles

          Bear biologist Maria Davidson educates people, relocates wayward bears
        62. Two biologists check on the health of a sedated Louisiana black bear Mar 10, 2016 | 2 minute read
          Articles

          David Soileau: bringing the Louisiana black bear back from the brink
        63. Three small black bear cubs yawning in unison. Mar 10, 2016 | 2 minute read
          Articles

          Debbie Fuller: working hard at work worth doing
        64. Conservationists from the Natural Resources Conservation Service gather around the hood of a truck to investigate paperwork Mar 10, 2016 | 2 minute read
          Articles

          Easement program a win-win for landowners and black bears
        65. Mar 10, 2016 | 3 minute read
          Articles

          Keith Weaver: from tagging, tracking and naming, he knows the bears of the Tensas River Basin
        66. A large black bear with a small cub nestled in the upper branches of a hardwood tree. Mar 10, 2016 | 11 minute read
          Faq

          Louisiana black bear removed from the list of threatened and endangered species due to recovery
        67. A black bear in a field locks eyes with the camera as it eats grassy vegetation. Mar 10, 2016 | 2 minute read
          Articles

          Louisiana black bear’s survival depends on people, says biologist
        68. Three small black bear cubs yawning in unison. Mar 10, 2016 | 5 minute read
          News

          The teddy bear is back: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delists Louisiana black bear due to recovery
        69. A biologist taking a health assessment for a tranquilized bear Mar 10, 2016 | 2 minute read
          Articles

          U.S. Department of Agriculture’s wildlife services plays key role in Louisiana black bear recovery
        70. Kemps ridley sea turtle laying in the sand. Large with grey shell and yellow body with grey speckles. Nov 13, 2015 | 3 minute read
          News

          New report assesses the impacts of emerging threats on Gulf coast species and ecosystems
        71. Red-cockaded woodpecker flying from its nest. Nov 6, 2015 | 4 minute read
          News

          Service, states, celebrate 20th anniversary of the safe harbor program offering voluntary land management agreements with private landowners
        72. New project leader Maury Bedford poses for a photo in front of a stand of pine trees. Oct 8, 2015 | 4 minute read
          News

          Maury Bedford named project leader for North Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges
        73. A white and black frog standing on dormant grass. Sep 9, 2015 | 4 minute read
          News

          Recovery plan for endangered frog available
        74. A small brown bat on the roof of a cave with a fuzzy white fungus on its nose. Jul 1, 2015 | 3 minute read
          News

          Service awards grants to 35 states, District of Columbia for work on deadly bat disease
        75. A dark colored salamander with white spots on its stomach and sides. Jun 30, 2015 | 3 minute read
          News

          Federal wildlife officials respond to a petition to list dozens of species under the Endangered Species Act
        76. A monarch butterfly perched on a bushy plant with bright yellow flowers. Jun 17, 2015 | 3 minute read
          News

          Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wildlife Habitat Council partner to save monarchs
        77. A Louisiana black bear standing in a grassy clearing Jun 12, 2015 | 2 minute read
          News

          Service announces public hearings on proposal to delist Louisiana black bear
        78. A butterfly covered in white spots with orange and yellow wings perched on a purple flower. Jun 2, 2015 | 4 minute read
          News

          Service provides $5.7 million in grants to help conserve monarch butterflies and other at-risk species in 11 states
        79. A bald eagle strewn on the grass laying on its back. May 28, 2015 | 3 minute read
          News

          $11,000 reward offered for information in death of bald eagles in Plaquemine, Louisiana
        80. Three small black bear cubs yawning in unison. May 20, 2015 | 5 minute read
          News

          Secretary Jewell, Governor Jindal announce proposal to remove Louisiana black bear from endangered species list
        81. Phi beta sigma members plant trees with Fish and Wildlife Service employees. May 19, 2015 | 5 minute read
          News

          Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service join forces to engage urban youth in outdoor education and recreation at Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
        82. A beige agricultural landscape dotted by hundreds of small ponds. Apr 27, 2015 | 4 minute read
          Articles

          BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement funds migrate north
        83. An injured bald eagle crouched in a field. Mar 31, 2015 | 2 minute read
          News

          $7,500 reward for information on bald eagle shooting
        84. Long white birds flying in formation behind a fan powered glider. Dec 9, 2014 | 4 minute read
          News

          Seven whooping cranes fly into Georgia following ultralight aircraft
        85. A brown bird with long slender neck and legs takes flight. Nov 14, 2014 | 3 minute read
          News

          Migratory bird conservation commission waterfowl, approves $28 million to conserve shorebirds and other species in 16 states
        86. Seven young white whooping cranes with beige heads and feathers rest in a protective net pen. Nov 14, 2014 | 3 minute read
          News

          Whooping cranes arrive in Tennessee
        87. An adult red wolf walking stealthily in a caged enclosure at the zoo. Oct 17, 2014 | 5 minute read
          News

          Federal and state officials request assistance in investigation of gunshot red wolf
        88. A strange looking salamander with horns. Sep 22, 2014 | 5 minute read
          News

          Fish and Wildlife Service conducts five-year status reviews of 27 Southeastern species
        89. A bald eagle perched with its wings spread. Apr 11, 2014 | 1 minute read
          News

          $7,500 reward for information on bald eagle killing in Louisiana
        90. Long white birds flying in formation behind a fan powered glider. Jan 7, 2014 | 3 minute read
          News

          Endangered whooping cranes arrive at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, FL on aircraft-guided flight
        91. Long white birds flying in formation behind a fan powered glider. Dec 31, 2013 | 4 minute read
          News

          Endangered whooping cranes make it to Florida following ultralights
        92. Airborne ultralight with whooping cranes following. Dec 30, 2013 | 3 minute read
          News

          Endangered whooping cranes now in Georgia on aircraft-guided flight to Florida
        93. Airborne ultralight with whooping cranes following. Dec 12, 2013 | 5 minute read
          News

          Endangered whooping cranes now in Alabama on aircraft-guided flight to Florida
        94. A wet brown frog with bright green round eyes on fallen reeds. Nov 19, 2013 | 3 minute read
          News

          Landmark study reveals low national rate of frog abnormalities on wildlife refuges
        95. A small yellow breasted bird with grey feathers. Nov 14, 2013 | 3 minute read
          News

          Service approves incidental take permit for NiSource multi-state Habitat Conservation Plan
        96. A mussel with brownish outer shell and a glossy white inner shell that resembles a baked potato. Oct 15, 2012 | 6 minute read
          News

          Service proposes to protect neosho mucket and rabbitsfoot under the Endangered Species Act
        97. A large alligator basks in the sun on the bank of a stream. Sep 17, 2012 | 4 minute read
          News

          Visit your southeastern National Wildlife Refuges: october 13-27, 2012
        98. An orange and brown butterfly specimen. Aug 27, 2012 | 2 minute read
          News

          Service completes status review of the bay skipper butterfly
        99. A white and black frog standing on dormant grass. Jun 19, 2012 | 4 minute read
          News

          Fox & Friends story about steps to protect endangered Dusky Gopher Frog misses the mark
        100. Dormant vegetation in front of a lake banked by a small stand of pine trees. Apr 24, 2012 | 2 minute read
          News

          Jeff Weller to lead U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Lafayette office
        101. Thousands of ducks taking flight out of a marsh nearly cover the sky. Apr 20, 2012 | 4 minute read
          News

          Conservation effort in northern Louisiana is something to quack about
        102. Two large, white, Whooping cranes flying in for a landing on a small pond. Feb 10, 2012 | 3 minute read
          News

          Ultralight-led whooping cranes released at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
        103. A white and black frog standing on dormant grass. Jan 13, 2012 | 6 minute read
          News

          Service to hold public hearing and re-open comment period on the revised proposed Critical Habitat designation and associated draft economic analysis for the Mississippi gopher frog
        104. Three small black bear cubs yawning in unison. Mar 31, 2011 | 1 minute read
          News

          Restoring Louisiana black bear habitat
        105. Three children and a US Fish and Wildlife Service biologist crouch over a net with used to collect insects from a nearby stream. Mar 17, 2011 | 2 minute read
          News

          4-H national headquarters and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service honor Louisiana youth wetlands education and outreach 4-H program
        106. Two large, white, Whooping cranes flying in for a landing on a small pond. Feb 8, 2011 | 4 minute read
          News

          Interior clears the way for return of whooping cranes to Louisiana
        107. Two brown pelicans fly in for a landing on the rocky shoreline. Jul 18, 2010 | 3 minute read
          News

          Scientists ask public to report banded birds to help scientific research
        108. Two brown pelicans fly in for a landing on the rocky shoreline. Jul 8, 2010 | 3 minute read
          News

          Using sound science, the service addresses urgent habitat needs for birds and other wildlife along the Gulf coast
        109. A white and black frog standing on dormant grass. Jun 3, 2010 | 5 minute read
          News

          Fish and Wildlife Service proposes critical habitat for Mississippi gopher frog
        110. Two gloved workers wearing protective glasses soap up and clean an oiled bird. May 9, 2010 | 3 minute read
          News

          First two birds, oiled from the Gulf spill, readied for release at Pelican National Wildlife Refuge
        111. A gray bird with bright red spot on its face with a small, furry, beige chick. Apr 9, 2010 | 3 minute read
          News

          Fish and Wildlife Service conducts five-year status reviews of 10 Southeastern species
        112. Hundreds of brown pelicans cover a vegetated beach. Nov 11, 2009 | 4 minute read
          News

          Brown pelican populations recovered, removed from Endangered Species List
        113. A prehistoric looking brown fish in a hand with a shovel shaped face. Sep 22, 2009 | 4 minute read
          News

          Fish and Wildlife Service proposes Endangered Species Act protection for the shovelnose sturgeon
        114. A white breasted bird with a brown head and grey feathers. Sep 11, 2009 | 6 minute read
          News

          Secretary Salazar announces more than $41 million to purchase wetlands and fund grants for migratory waterfowl habitat more than $7 million in waterfowl habitat grants approved for southeastern states
        115. A small gopher tortoise with tan shell standing on sandy grass covered soil. Sep 9, 2009 | 4 minute read
          News

          Federal finding means gopher tortoise status in the eastern portion of its range merits further review
        116. Thousands of ducks taking flight out of a marsh nearly cover the sky. Jul 31, 2009 | 6 minute read
          News

          Liberal season proposed for upcoming late waterfowl season
        117. Storm surge from the ocean cuts through a barrier island. Jun 29, 2009 | 4 minute read
          News

          Service will host public meetings on coastal barrier resources system pilot project units
        118. Six people wearing life preservers on a boat. Jun 9, 2009 | 7 minute read
          News

          Secretary Salazar announces boating grants to 28 states to help keep waterways clean
        119. Five birds with bright green markings on the side of their head on wing tips swimming. Jun 1, 2009 | 5 minute read
          News

          Conservation funds GO ZERO® program goes gold with CCB
        120. Thousands of birds take flight over a green marsh. May 19, 2009 | 4 minute read
          News

          High Ouachita River levels postpones floodplain reconnection project
        121. Aug 31, 2005 | 1 minute read
          News

          U.S Fish and Wildlife Service announces temporary closure of National Wildlife Refuges in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina
        122. Fuzzy yellow and purple flowers emerging from a green grass-like stalk.
          Wildlife

          American chaffseed
        123. An alligator basking in the sun on the shore of a water body.
          State

          Conservation in Louisiana
        124. A small black bird with red eyes walks in the marsh grasses.
          Wildlife

          Eastern black rail
        125. A prehistoric looking fish with spines down its back and sides.
          Wildlife

          Lake sturgeon
        126. A Louisiana black bear standing in a grassy clearing
          Wildlife

          Louisiana black bear
        127. Male and female mallard ducks on a lake
          Wildlife

          Mallard
        128. Eight northern pintails including two females and six males on a cold, winter lake
          Wildlife

          Northern pintail
        129. A brown and black mussel with growth striations sitting on a rock.
          Wildlife

          Pink mucket
        130. Infographic

          The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund
        131. A duck with long green and brown feathers on its head in the shape of a backwards-hat
          Wildlife

          Wood duck

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