What are candidate species? Are any found in New Jersey?
“Candidate species” are species that appear to warrant consideration for addition to the federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Although these species receive no substantive or procedural protection under the ESA, the Service encourages federal agencies and other planners to give consideration to these species in the environmental planning process. When possible, the Service works with other agencies, organizations, and private landholders to develop Candidate Conservation Agreements. Through these agreements, candidate species can be protected, avoiding the need to list them as threatened or endangered. Three candidate species are found in New Jersey: red knot (Calidris canutus rufa), bog asphodel (Narthecium americanum), and Hirst’s panic grass (Dichanthelium hirstii). Also see the Service’s list of candidate species and candidate conservation web page.
