A plan for conserving California's wildlife resources while responding to environmental challenges Overview California’s distinctive topography and climate have given rise to a remarkable diversity of habitats that support a multitude of plant and animal species. In fact, California has more species than any other state in the U.S. and also has the greatest number of species that occur nowhere else in the world. Many of the places where wildlife thrive are the same as those valued for recreation and other human activities. To ensure a sustainable future for wildlife – and the enjoyment of wildlife by generations to come – there is a need for a collaborative approach to conservation. State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) The State Wildlife Action Plan examines the health of wildlife and prescribes actions to conserve wildlife and vital habitat before they become more rare and more costly to protect. The plan also promotes wildlife conservation while furthering responsible development and addressing the needs of a growing human population. 2015 California Wildlife Action Plan 2005 California Wildlife Action Plan The 2005 Wildlife Action Plan (PDF) was prepared for the department by the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center(opens in new tab).
