State of Montana Website Montana State Parks Website
Species of Interest

Definitions

To help conserve genetic diversity, the ESA defines “species” broadly to include subspecies and (for vertebrates) distinct populations.

Threatened - A “threatened species” is one that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Endangered - An “endangered species” is one that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Delisted - Species that are no longer threatened or endangered. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 requires five-year monitoring for species that have recovered and been delisted. [Learn more]

Species of Concern - Montana Species of Concern are native animals breeding in the state that are considered to be "at risk" due to declining population trends, threats to their habitats, and/or restricted distribution.

Exotic - Exotic species are any species that is not native to that ecosystem. They are broken into three categories:

  • Controlled - "Controlled species" means live, exotic wildlife species, subspecies, or hybrid of species that may not be imported, possessed, sold, purchased or exchanged in Montana unless a person obtains written authorization from the department.[Learn more]
  •  
  • Noncontrolled - "Noncontrolled species" are live, exotic wildlife species, subspecies, or hybrid of that species that may be possessed, sold, purchased or exchanged in the state without a permit, except as provided in this subchapter or in Montana statutes or federal statutes. An uncontrolled species may not be released into the wild unless authorized in writing by the department. This definition does not authorize the sale, possession, transportation, importation or exportation of a noncontrolled species in violation of any applicable federal or state statute or regulation or county or city ordinance.[Learn more]
  •  
  • Prohibited - "Prohibited species" are live, exotic wildlife species, subspecies, or hybrid of that species, including viable embryos or gametes, that may not be possessed, sold, purchased, exchanged, or transported in Montana, except as provided in MCA 87-5-709 or ARM 12.6.2220 [Learn more]

Aquatic Invasive (Nuisance) Species (AIS) - Aquatic Invasive Species are non-native plants, animals or pathogens that cause environmental or economic harm. [Learn more]