Endangered species
Any species of fish, plant life, or wildlife that is in danger of extinction throughout all or most of its range. This does not include any species of insecta determined to be a pest whose protection would present a risk to humans.
Threatened species
Any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the near future throughout all or most of its range.
Special Concern
While not under legal protection, many of these species are of concern because of declining populations in the state. Should these species continue to decline, they would be recommended for Threatened or Endangered status. Protection of Special Concern species would prevent the need to list them in the future by keeping enough numbers of self-sustaining populations. Some other possibly rare species are listed as of Special Concern pending more precise information on their status in the state. When such information becomes available, they could be moved to Threatened or Endangered status or taken off the list.
Extirpated
Any species which can no longer be found in the state of Michigan, but which can be found elsewhere in the world.
Extinct
Any species which can no longer be found in any place in the world.
