U.S. states with the most and least endangered species
With over 1,300 endangered or threatened species in the United States today, newly compiled data shows the states with the most number of vulnerable populations.
Outforia — an online resource for outdoor recreation that aims to “empower people to connect with nature” with “trusted” reviews, “best local guides and leading regional knowledge” — revealed the state rankings for most endangered species on record in a new report, which was based on data from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FSW).
The report only includes species with a Spatial Current Range in the FSW’s Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS).
“As the Endangered Species Act (ESA) turns 50 this year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the conservation efforts made and the work still needed to protect the most vulnerable species in the U.S.” the company said in a statement.
Adopted under President Richard Nixon's administration in 1973, the act was intended to provide a way to protect and preserve ecosystems and a program to conserve and restore threatened and endangered species.
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Map of 20 U.S. states with the most endangered species
States with a wide range of habitats and biodiversity hotspots were listed as home to the most endangered species, according to Outforia. Forests, swamplands, deserts, grasslands, and coastal salt marshes are some of the habitats that play an important part in providing shelter, food sources, and breeding grounds for many species.
Use the interactive map to learn more about each state's number of endangered species and notable species on record.
Hawaii’s chain of volcanic islands, which host more endangered species than any other state, are home to some notable endangered species, including the Hawaiian petrel, also called the ʻuaʻu, and the crested honeycreeper, or 'Ākohekohe.
California’s wide range of coastal, desert and forests habitats make the second state with the most endangered species a “biodiversity hotspot,” according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Another chart shows the number of species deemed threatened or endangered in the U.S. over 56 years, based on data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The status of a species may have changed after it is listed, either from threatened to endangered or from endangered to threatened; or a species may have been delisted.
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Top 20 U.S. states with the least endangered species
District of Columbia (3)
Vermont (6)
North Dakota (7)
Alaska (8)
Rhode Island (9)
Connecticut (12)
Maine (12)
New Hampshire (12)
Delaware (14)
Nebraska (15)
South Dakota (15)
Idaho (16)
Iowa (17)
Montana (17)
New Jersey (17)
Kansas (18)
Massachusetts (18)
Pennsylvania (18)
Wyoming (20)
Minnesota (21)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which US states have the most endangered and threatened species?
