Species Information and Conservation

Our highest priority is protecting the native species that are listed as Endangered, Threatened, or of Special Concern in Massachusetts.

A major function of NHESP is to collect information on rare species. This is accomplished through field surveys, literature reviews, and research by staff biologists and cooperators around the state. Information is collected on the abundance, distribution, and conservation needs of rare species and significant natural communities.

Rare species in Massachusetts are threatened primarily due to habitat loss or degradation. Learn more about reporting rare species observations, requesting species information, and get information on conservation efforts for a specific biological group.

What would you like to do?

Top tasks

List of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern species 
Report rare species & vernal pool observations  

All other tasks

Request rare species information  

What you need to know

Changes to the list of Endangered, Threatened & Special Concern species  
Rare Species Success Stories  
Rare Species by Town Viewer 

Related Services

Additional Resources

NHESP Research and Inventory
Natural Heritage Forms and Guidelines
Scientific Collection Permit (Education/Research) (PDF 95.8 KB)
Commercial Scientific Collection Permit Application (PDF 1.2 MB)
Image credits:  Frosted Elfin, Callophrys irus (M.W. Nelson, NHESP)
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