SECTION 800:25-19-3. Criteria to determine classification of wildlife

  The following is the criteria for determining the classification of wildlife and the procedure to follow:

(1)   Nominations. A nomination for a species may be prepared by anyone and submitted to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Nongame Section, 1801 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation staff may also prepare species nominations and submit them for review. The nomination should contain the following elements:

(A)   Description and historical summary - a literature review pertinent to the species:

(i)   Taxonomy - common and scientific names; explanation of any disputes regarding the classification.

(ii)   Brief description - identifying features that best distinguish it from co-generics or other similar taxa.

(iii)   Habitat requirements - emphasizing those most critical to survival.

(iv)   Food habits, reproductive parameters, social structure, diseases, parasites or other factors that may affect survival.

(v)   Past and present distribution and abundance - focusing on Oklahoma.

(vi)   Past and present habitat - especially in Oklahoma.

(B)   Documentation of existing and potential threats to the species survival in Oklahoma.

(C)   Proposed action - the species is proposed for one of the following:

(i)   List the species as state endangered, threatened or special concern.

(ii)   Reclassify the species.

(D)   Name, address and resume of the nominator and the submission date.

(2)   Review. After a nomination is received, it will be reviewed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation staff, technical committees and selected authorities. The preparer of a nomination which does not contain sufficient information to support the proposed action will be contacted and given the opportunity to correct the deficiency. If favorably reviewed by Department personnel, a public announcement to gather public input on the proposed action will be requested. Based upon the information contained in the nomination packet, recommendations made by the Nongame Technical Committees and Council and the public input, the Department may make a recommendation to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission for appropriate action Such actions may include:

(A)   Listing as proposed,

(B)   Listing in another category, and

(C)   Reclassification to another category.

(D)   No action.

(3)   Definitions. The following are the definitions for endangered, threatened and special concern species.

(A)   State endangered species. An endangered species is a native species whose prospects of survival or recruitment within the state is in imminent jeopardy. This determination will be based primarily upon species status within Oklahoma.

(B)   State threatened species. A threatened species is a native species that, although not presently in danger of extirpation, is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future in the absence of special protection and management efforts.

(C)   Special concern species. A special concern species may be one of the following:

(i)   Category I - a native species with a presently stable or increasing population that current evidence indicates is especially vulnerable to extirpation because of limited range, low population or other factors.

(ii)   Category II - species identified by technical experts as possibly threatened or vulnerable to extirpation but for which little, if any, evidence exists to document the population level, range or factors pertinent to its status.

(4)   Status of wildlife species. The following is a key to determining status of wildlife species.

Ai	The species historically occurred in Oklahoma as a native; (B)
Aii	The species did not historically occur in Oklahoma as native; (exotic)
Bi	The species is known to presently occur in Oklahoma; (C)
Bii	The species probably occurs based on the number and pattern of reported sightings in the last 10 years; (D)
Biii	The species records show there is no longer a self- sustaining population free ranging in Oklahoma; (extirpated)
Ci	Evidence indicates that the species has declined significantly in population or distribution, that the population or distribution is extremely restricted and that the continued existence of the species is in imminent jeopardy; (endangered)
Cii	Evidence indicates that the species has declined significantly in population, or that its population is extremely restricted, but does not indicate that the species continued survival is in imminent jeopardy; (threatened)
Ciii	Evidence indicates that the species especially vulnerable to extirpation and that the species population and distribution is presently stable; (special concern species - Category I)
Civ	Insufficient evidence exists to substantiate the concern expressed by technical experts regarding the long-term survival of the species; (special concern species - Category II)
Cv	Insubstantial or no evidence indicate the species population or distribution is declining, that the species distribution is extremely limited, or other factors jeopardize the long-term survival of the species. Technical experts indicate no concern regarding the species long-term survival; (no special status)
Di	Historical and current data indicate the species population or distribution is extremely small but does not indicate either is declining; (special concern species - Category I)
Dii	Historical and current data on the species are inadequate to demonstrate a decline in numbers or distribution has occurred; (special concern species - Category II)
Diii	Historical data suggest a significant decline in population or distribution though threat of imminent extirpation cannot be demonstrated; (threatened)
Div	Historical data indicate a significant decline in population or distribution and that the continued survival of the species is in imminent jeopardy; (endangered)

[Source: Added at 9 Ok Reg 3075, eff 7-13-92]