Alabama Updates State Wildlife Action Plan to Protect Imperiled Species

AUBURN, AL. — September 17, 2025 - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has released a draft of its 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), a comprehensive roadmap for protecting Alabama’s most vulnerable species. The plan, updated every ten years, is now available for public review at OutdoorAlabama.com, with comments accepted through September 29.

What Is SWAP and Why It Matters

Mandated by Congress, SWAP ensures Alabama remains eligible for critical federal funding that supports conservation efforts statewide. The plan identifies species at risk and outlines strategic actions—such as habitat restoration, land acquisition, and population surveys—to prevent further decline.

Species in Focus

The 2025 update builds on previous versions from 2005 and 2015, continuing efforts to safeguard species like:

• Eastern Indigo Snake

• Gopher Tortoise

• Red-cockaded Woodpecker

• Alabama Pearlshell Mussel

• Several imperiled crayfish species

Funding tied to SWAP also supports the Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center, which leads recovery efforts for aquatic mollusks, and the Rivers and Streams Program, which monitors imperiled fish populations across the state.

🌿 What’s New in 2025

For the first time, the plan will include imperiled plant species, expanding its scope beyond animals to address broader ecosystem health. The SWAP now covers a wide range of taxa, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, gastropods, mussels, snails, crayfish—and now plants.

Stewardship and Public Engagement

ADCNR encourages Alabamians to participate in the review process and help shape the future of conservation in the state. Comments can be submitted directly to Traci Wood at Traci.Wood@dcnr.alabama.gov or by phone at (334) 353-0503.

ADCNR operates through four divisions—Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries—all committed to the stewardship and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural heritage.