Virginia Wildlife Action Plan
Habitat
For the most imperiled species (Tier I SGCN), the Plan determined, described, and mapped essential and potential habitat for each, when possible. Since the submission of the Wildlife Action Plan, DGIF has mapped habitat for the species in Tier II, and species that are listed as threatened or endangered (T&E) that fall in Tier III or IV. Following this effort, the individual habitat layers for the Tier I, Tier II and remaining T&E species were combined into one map (see below). This map represents 247 species total, 149 terrestrial and 98 aquatic. Combining these maps together gives us a visual that can be used to help guide and direct habitat conservation efforts. Areas of darkest purple support highest numbers of these Tier I species, so habitat restoration, acquisition, or protection on those areas will likely protect a greater number of these most imperiled resources. Identifying habitats will assist in identifying threats to these habitats and species. Knowing threats will assist in developing conservation strategies for successful conservation of these habitats and species.
