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New Jersey wildlife officials have added 28 animal species to the state's endangered list. The list now includes ten birds, two reptiles, three amphibians, two butterflies, six dragonflies, and five species of freshwater mussels. Among the newly classified endangered species are the Pine Barrens tree frog, barred owl, red-headed woodpecker, wood turtles, and the northern pine snake. This change, effective from January 6, 2025, reclassifies these animals from "threatened" to "endangered" due to their increased risk of extinction in the state.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has also removed four animals from the endangered list, including the bald eagle and the osprey, whose populations have recovered significantly. The bald eagle's status changed from endangered to special concern, while the osprey is now considered stable.
Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette of the DEP emphasized the importance of ongoing conservation efforts, stating that the removal of the bald eagle and osprey from the endangered list is a significant milestone in New Jersey's wildlife conservation history. However, he also highlighted the need for continued vigilance to protect the state's diverse wildlife.
The DEP works closely with organizations like the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey to monitor and protect these species. The Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act (ENSCA) ensures that all wildlife on the state's endangered list are protected from activities that could harm them.
As part of the ongoing conservation efforts, the DEP has released an updated version of its Landscape Project, a mapping tool that helps in making decisions considering critical habitats. This tool uses updated land use data to assist in the protection and management of endangered species in New Jersey.