Species of Greatest Concern

Species of greatest concern are listed in the

Maryland DNR (SWAP Chapter 3).

For Global Ranks go to:

https://www.natureserve.org/

What do the ranks mean?

All Ranks below have been defined by state natural heritage programs and NatureServe, in consultation with biologists, taxonomic experts, and other members of the scientific community, as well as other state, federal and local agencies, and NGO's (see MD SWAP Chapter 3).

Global rank = G-rank; State rank = S-rank

G1 or S1: Critically Imperiled and Highly State Rare—At very high risk of extinction or extirpation due to very severe threats. Typically occurring in fewer than five populations.
G2 or S2: Imperiled/State Rare—At high risk of extinction or extirpation due to severe threats. Typically occurring in 6-20 populations.
G3 or S3: Vulnerable/Watchlist—At moderate risk of extinction or extirpation due to threats. Typically occurring in 21-80 populations.
G4 or S4: Apparently Secure—At fairly low risk of extinction or extirpation, but with possible cause for some concern as a result of local recent threats.
G5 or S5: Demonstrably Secure—At very low risk of extinction or extirpation, or little to no concern from declines or threats.
GU or SU: Status Uncertain—A numerical rank cannot be established with confidence for reasons including lack of historical records. Uncertainty spans a range of 4- 5 ranks as defined above.
GNR or SNR: Not ranked—Conservation status has not been fully assessed.

Five conservation status categories assigned by Maryland DNR (see MD SWAP Chapter 3).

A: Highest conservation status
B: High conservation status
C: Moderate conservation status
D: Conservations status is uncertain; insufficient data to assign state insufficient data to assign a state conservation status rank
E. Historical status: ranked as "SH" and may no longer occur in Maryland, but with some potential for rediscovery in the foreseeable future