A species of special concern is a legal designation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for native wildlife facing significant risks. This label is applied to species that:

Definitions from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

"Species of special concern" is a designation given to animals that are not categorized under the California Endangered Species Act, however they are still (1) exhibiting a declining population that may suggest a future listing, or (2) have historically low numbers partially due to ongoing threats to their existence. To be listed as a species of special concern, it must meet one or more of the following criteria:

Purpose

The categorization of a species as a Species of Special Concern is intended to result in enhanced consideration for these animals by agencies involved in the environment, such as California Department of Fish and Wildlife, land managers, consulting biologists, and others. This designation is intended to avoid the need for costly listings under State endangered species laws and the subsequent recovery efforts. Additionally, this designation has the intended purpose of encouraging the collection of additional information on these species' biology, distribution, and status while directing management and research efforts towards their conservation. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife should consider species of special concern during any of the following processes: (1) the environmental review process, (2) conservation planning process, (3) the preparation of management plans for California Department of Fish and Wildlife lands, or (4) inventories, surveys, and monitoring (conducted either by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or others with whom they are cooperating).

Designation process

The California Bird Species of Special Concern document (Shuford and Gardali 2008) outlines the state's preferred process for designating species. This methodology has been developed through collaboration between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the scientific community. Steps in the process of designation include: