Help Track NJ’s Rare Wildlife: Big Changes to the Endangered Species List

The New Jersey Endangered Species List just got expanded, which leaves more data to be submitted to the New Jersey Wildlife Tracker! The NJ Wildlife Tracker is our go-to place for submitting: 1) rare wildlife species sightings as well as 2) observations of wildlife (of any kind) on roadways.

Our biggest submissions of commonly known species are bobcats, box turtles, and Bald Eagles! Bobcats are found in over half of New Jersey counties and are native wild cats historically found throughout New Jersey. 

We also have a significant number of commonly known species that were added to the Endangered Species List that you might be surprised to see listed there. A few of these that you might be familiar with include: Green Heron, Purple Martin, Northern Diamond-backed Terrapins, Bottlenose Dolphins, and the Monarch Butterfly.

A fact that is even more surprising than this precious butterfly being listed as Special Concern is that ALL bat species in New Jersey are now on the list, Yikes! If you happen to encounter on any of these precious bat species injured, please contact a NJ Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator who treats bats. If you would like to learn more about how New Jersey Fish and Wildlife are combatting this, you can read all about it on their website NJDEP| Fish & Wildlife | Bat Conservation. 

Lastly, if you encounter any wild animal, please treat them with respect and ensure your safety first before attempting to assist it. To view the full list of endangered species, click here: NJDEP| Fish & Wildlife | New Jersey’s Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species. To view a comprehensive guide to New Jerseys Endangered and Threatened Species, click here: Rare Species Field Guide / Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ