Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is committed to perpetuating the wildlife resources of the state, maintaining a quality state parks system, and offering sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities for the education and inspiration of current and future generations to become active stewards of Colorado's natural resources. CPW oversees over 40 state parks, wildlife management, and a variety of recreational programs. The agency issues hunting and fishing licenses, conducts research to enhance wildlife management, protects critical wildlife habitat, offers technical assistance for habitat management, and develops programs for the understanding, protection, and recovery of threatened and endangered species.

colorado parks & wildlife (cpw)

Colorado is a state located in the western United States, known for its rugged natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. The state has a wide range of landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, high plains, forests, and deserts, providing habitats for numerous species. Colorado's biodiversity is remarkable, with over 900 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians identified. The state is home to 42 state parks and 300 wildlife areas, adding up to 218,564 acres of park lands and 684,252 acres of wildlife landscapes. However, despite its natural richness, Colorado faces environmental challenges, including habitat fragmentation, climate change, and invasive species.

colorado

The Greenback Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki stomias) is a remarkable and endangered fish species native to the cold, clear streams of the South Platte and Arkansas River basins in Colorado, USA. Named for its vibrant greenish hue on its back and distinctive red slash marks below its jaw, this trout is a vital part of its freshwater ecosystem. Sadly, the Greenback Cutthroat Trout has faced a dramatic decline in its population due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and competition with non-native trout species. Conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and controlled fishing, are crucial to protect this unique fish and restore its dwindling populations in its native waters.

greenback cutthroat trout

The Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse is a small rodent found in Colorado and Wyoming, USA. Rocky Mountain Wild, an environmental organization, is committed to the conservation of this endangered species. Dr. Dan Svingen, a respected biologist, plays a key role in researching and protecting the Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse. The main threats to this species are habitat loss and degradation due to urbanization and agricultural activities. Rocky Mountain Wild focuses on advocating for habitat preservation, conducting surveys, and promoting land-use practices that benefit the mouse and its ecosystem.

preble's meadow jumping mouse

The Gunnison Sage-Grouse is a unique bird species endemic to southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah. The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is working towards conserving the sagebrush habitats and populations of this endangered species. 

Dr. Clait E. Braun is a renowned avian ecologist and one of the leading experts on Gunnison Sage-Grouse. He has conducted extensive research on the species and has been involved in conservation efforts for several decades. 

The primary threats to this species include habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation due to land development and other human activities. 

gunnison sage-grouse

The Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae) is an endangered butterfly species found in North America. The estimated remaining population is uncertain, but it is believed to be in decline. The primary threats to the Dakota skipper include habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural intensification, urbanization, and invasive species. The conversion of native prairies to croplands has greatly impacted their populations. Conservation efforts involve habitat restoration, protection of remnant prairies, and monitoring to support their recovery.

swift fox

The Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) is a rodent species found in the grasslands of North America. The estimated remaining population is unknown but generally decreasing. The main threats to this species include habitat loss, disease outbreaks, and extermination efforts. Conservation efforts involve habitat conservation, management plans, and promoting coexistence with human activities.

black-tailed prairie dog

The Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) is a slender, elusive mustelid endemic to North American grasslands. Adults measure roughly 46–61 cm in total length, weigh between 645 – 1125 g, and feature yellowish-fur with black mask, feet, and tail tip—a distinctive “bandit” appearance. Once thought extinct, the species was rediscovered in Meeteetse, Wyoming, in the 1980s; all remaining individuals were brought into captivity for a breeding program, making the species a notable conservation success story. Today, approximately 350–400 ferrets exist in the wild across multiple reintroduction sites. Typically living 4–5 years in the wild with much shorter mean survival due to high juvenile mortality, they are strictly dependent on prairie dog colonies—for both food (a ferret kills hundreds of prairie dogs annually) and shelter, residing in their burrows. High threats stem from disease (plague and distemper) and prey loss. Natural predators include badgers, coyotes, and raptors. Despite these challenges, conservation continues via captive breeding, ongoing reintroductions, habitat management, and disease control—efforts crucial to sustaining this rare, emblematic species.

black-footed ferret

The whooping crane (Grus americana) is one of the most endangered bird species in North America. With an estimated population of around 600 individuals, reintroduction projects are now in place and the population is estimated to be increasing. The major threats to whooping cranes include habitat loss, collision with power lines, illegal shooting, and disturbance at breeding sites. Conservation efforts involve habitat protection, captive breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns to ensure their survival.

whooping crane

The New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius luteus) is an endangered small rodent species endemic to New Mexico, USA. Known for its long tail and remarkable ability to leap, this mouse inhabits riparian zones and relies heavily on dense vegetation near water sources. The estimated remaining population is uncertain, but it is believed to be small and declining due to habitat loss and degradation caused by agriculture, grazing, water management practices, and wildfires. Conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration, water management strategies, and population monitoring to ensure their survival.

new mexico meadow jumping mouse

The Colorado Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius) is an endangered fish species found in the Colorado River basin. The population size is uncertain, but it has significantly declined due to habitat degradation, water management practices, and competition with non-native species. Conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration, water conservation measures, and monitoring of populations.

colorado pikeminnow

The Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) is a remarkable fish species native to the Colorado River Basin in the southwestern United States. Recognizable by its distinctive humpbacked appearance and sucker-like mouth, this fish plays a vital role in maintaining freshwater ecosystems. Unfortunately, the Razorback Sucker is facing extinction as a result of a severe decline in its population due to habitat alteration, water diversion, and competition with non-native species. Conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and captive breeding programs, are essential to protect this unique fish and prevent its extinction in its native waters.

razorback sucker

The Humpback Chub (Gila cypha) is an endangered native species of the Colorado River that evolved around 3.5 million years ago and is only found in warm-water canyons of the Colorado River basin. The population size is uncertain, but it has declined significantly due to habitat loss, water management practices, and competition with non-native species. Conservation efforts involve habitat restoration, captive breeding programs, and water conservation measures.

humpback chub

The Bonytail chub (Gila elegans) is one of the most endangered fish species in the United States, native to the Colorado River Basin. It is characterized by a slender, elongated body covered in small, hard, bony plates, and its prominent, downturned mouth. Historically, they inhabited a variety of riverine habitats, including mainstem rivers, tributaries, and backwaters, but their range has significantly declined. Today, the Bonytail chub is facing extinction, considered extirpated in the wild for the most part and the few remaining adults in hatcheries. The main threats to this species include habitat alteration due to dams and water diversions, as well as competition and predation by non-native fish species introduced into their habitat. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat restoration and captive breeding programs aiming to create a self-sustainable population.

bonytail chub

The Lesser Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) is a unique bird species native to the Southern Great Plains of the United States. Known for its striking appearance and elaborate courtship displays, this grouse-like bird plays a vital role in grassland ecosystems. However, its population has dramatically declined due to habitat loss, primarily caused by agricultural and energy development. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect its dwindling habitat, implement sustainable land-use practices, and mitigate the threats it faces.

lesser prairie-chicken​

The Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida), is a subspecies of the Spotted Owl found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Recognizable by its mottled brown plumage and distinctive spotted pattern, this owl is a key indicator species for the health of mature forests in its range. Unfortunately, the Mexican Spotted Owl faces significant threats, including habitat loss due to logging and forest degradation, as well as competition with invasive species. Conservation efforts are essential to protect its forested habitats and ensure its survival.

mexican spotted owl

The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) is a subspecies of the Willow Flycatcher, native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. This small, migratory bird is known for its olive-brown plumage and distinct habitat preference for riparian areas, particularly willow and cottonwood forests. Unfortunately, the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher is endangered due to habitat loss caused by water management practices, livestock grazing, and invasive species. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect and restore its habitat and ensure the survival of this imperiled species.

southwestern willow flycatcher

The Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) is a species known for its distinctive yellow bill and striking markings. Native to western North America, this cuckoo prefers riparian habitats along rivers and streams, where it feeds on insects and caterpillars. Unfortunately, the Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo faces significant habitat loss due to river channelization, agriculture, and urban development.&nbsp;

western yellow-billed cuckoo

The Canadian Lynx (Lynx canadensis) is a wild cat species native to North America, with a range extending from Alaska and Canada to parts of the northern United States. Recognized by its distinctive tufted ears, thick fur, and large paws adapted for traversing snowy terrain, this lynx is perfectly suited to its boreal forest habitat. It primarily preys on snowshoe hares, its main food source. However, the Canadian Lynx faces conservation challenges due to habitat fragmentation and prey population fluctuations. Conservation efforts, including habitat protection and research, are crucial to ensure the survival of this iconic species in its northern wilderness.

canadian lynx

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is committed to perpetuating the wildlife resources of the state, maintaining a quality state parks system, and offering su...

colorado parks & wildlife (CPW)

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