WASHINGTON, D.C. — Coordinating wildlife conservation across state and regional lines is critical to recovering imperiled species and ecosystems, according to a new study of state wildlife action plans. The study, co-authored by the National Wildlife Federation, NatureServe, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service highlighted the impact of collaboration among state and regional agencies while laying out recommendations and strategies to increase interstate coordination.

“The designation of Species of Greatest Conservation Need is an important tool in the national conservation toolbox”, said lead author Dr. Healy Hamilton. “This first-ever cross-border SGCN analysis reveals a strong foundation for shared biodiversity stewardship and underscores the need for accurate and comprehensive data on species taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status.”

“Since 2005, State Wildlife Action Plans have provided blueprints for biodiversity conservation in the United States,” said John Kanter, senior wildlife biologist at the National Wildlife Federation and co-author of the study. “These plans identify specific actions for recovering imperiled species and supporting healthy populations of others. Funding from Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, a bipartisan bill in the Senate, would invest $1.4 billion needed to enhance and implement these science-driven plans.”

"Species are blind to state boundaries and need to be managed rangewide," said Dr. Bruce Young, chief zoologist at NatureServe and corresponding author of the study. "Our findings demonstrate that shared conservation priorities are already in place for many species, and with improved coordination, we can achieve even greater conservation success."

Read the full report here.