Status Summaries of Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species

California is renowned for its rich and unique biological diversity, geologic features, and natural communities. In fact, over 30% of all plant and vertebrate species in the United States occur in California. Many are endemic to the state, including 31% of plants and 65% of vertebrates. California also supports the highest human population in the United States. Human demand for California’s resources can impact the habitats that support this biodiversity, leading to risk of population decline. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) oversees the conservation and recovery of rare, threatened, and endangered species.

CDFW prepares periodic reports summarizing the status of all species listed as endangered, threatened, or candidate under the California Endangered Species Act (Fish and G. Code § 2079). These reports are submitted to the Commission, the Legislature, and the Governor, and are made available to the public via the links below.

These reports provide information on the range and distribution of each listed species and describe factors affecting their population levels. The reports also highlight conservation and recovery activities being implemented.

Summary Reports

2026 Report

This CESA summary report, Status of Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Species Listed Under the California Endangered Species Act, contains the following information as of October 1, 2025:

a summary of the California Endangered Species Act (CESA),
the Department’s recent CESA activities,
changes to CESA listings since the last summary report in 2005,
a list of threats and stressors that may harm species,
the schedule for reviewing the status of CESA listed species, and
an appendix with all species listed under CESA and the Native Plant Protection Act.

The appendix contains status trends based on population data, threats and stressors, and the ecoregions where the species occur.

2005 Report

The Status of Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants and Animals of California 2000-2004

2000 Report

The Status of Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Animals and Plants of California 2000