Top Ten Wildlife, Fish and Plants in Need of Endangered Species Act Protection

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This report includes the top ten species plus three honorable mentions that are in danger of extinction, but are not protected under the Endangered Species Act.

The wildlife, fish and plants considered for the report were nominated by conservation and environmental organizations from around the country. A panel of scientists and policy experts selected the final ten featured, as well as three honorable mentions.

Introduction
About the Report
Judges
Top 10 Species

Pacific Walrus
Red Knot, rufa population
Wolverine
Gunnison Sage-grouse
Montana Fluvial Arctic Grayling
Island Marble Butterfly
Boreal Toad, southern Rocky Mountain population
Mason's Skypilot
Great White Shark
Wood Turtle

Acknowledgments

I have been honored to be a part of this report, which represents the efforts of dozens of individuals.  I would like to extend my gratitude to the organizations across the country—listed in the species profiles and in “Additional Nominations” on page 16—that nominated a species.  In addition, I would like to thank the judges who gave thoughtful consideration to each species to make an impossible determination for the top 10.  I would also like to thank Noah Greenwald, Biodiversity Director for the Conservation of Biological Diversity for his thorough and careful editing of the report, as well as Sarah Matsumoto, our Deputy Director for her review of the report.  And, lastly, I’d like to thank Jon Hunter, our Policy Director for shepherding us through this process and putting the report together so elegantly.

Leda Huta,
Executive Director