Animals
Colorado’s varied geology and ecosystems provide habitat for a diverse collection of vertebrate and invertebrate animal species. From the black-tailed prairie dog that modifies and creates grassland habitats, to the Uncompahgre fritillary that exists in the harsh alpine environments, Colorado is home to some of North America’s most unique and conservation-worthy animals. CNHP is the state’s leader in conservation and management information for rare and lesser-known species. We specialize in broad multi-species inventories, single-species monitoring, and management-focused research.
Featured Topics
ENABLING DISCOVERY THROUGH GENOMICS: Uncovering the genetic fingerprint and evolutionary trajectory of plague resistance in prairie dogs
This interdisciplinary research initiative aims to uncover the genetic mechanisms of plague resistance in prairie dogs—a keystone species whose dramatic population declines threaten the broader biodiversity of North America’s central grasslands.
Visit the the genetic mechanisms of plague resistance Page
HOMES ON THE RANGE: Landscapes for Conservation of the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Ecosystem
Our team has developed a large-scale collaborative conservation planning initiative for the black-tailed prairie dog (BTPD) ecosystem that stretches across North America’s central grasslands. Because prairie dogs are keystone species, their conservation and management often lies at the core of grassland conservation efforts.
Visit the Priority Areas for the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Ecosystem Page
Single-species Monitoring for Sensitive Wildlife
CNHP has been a leader in population and ecological studies of rare and lesser-known animal species. We have been leaders in population monitoring of some of Colorado’s rarest animal species, including the boreal toad, the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, Pawnee montane skipper, and little brown bat.
Visit the Single-species Monitoring for Sensitive Wildlife Page
Multi-species Surveys for Wildlife
CNHP has long been a provider of data on the distribution of rare and lesser-known fauna. Much of those data come from the assorted multi-species surveys CNHP conducts to help land managers understand the location of rare species and the relative health of those populations.
Visit the Multi-species Surveys for Wildlife Page
Management-focused Research for Wildlife
CNHP has helped our land management partners understand the impacts of landscape change and management decisions. These efforts are vital for informing future management of rare species.
Visit the Management-focused Research for Wildlife Page
CNHP Element Occurrence Biotics Database of Rare Plants, Animals and Natural Plant Communities
CNHP's database delivers a wealth of information on Colorado's biological diversity, including the location and quality of rare and imperiled plants, animals, and natural plant communities on CNHP's tracking list.
Visit the CNHP Element Occurrence Biotics Database of Rare Plants, Animals and Natural Plant Communities Page
Countywide Surveys of Critical Biological Resources
Since the mid-1990s, CNHP has conducted surveys to locate and track biologically significant plants, animals, and natural plant communities.
Visit the Countywide Surveys of Critical Biological Resources Page
Colorado’s 2015 State Wildlife Action Plan
CNHP worked closely with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to facilitate the revision of our state wildlife action plan which for the first time included plants and Important Plant Areas that support high quality concentrations of rare plant species. This effort drew upon the expertise of many agency and academic scientists, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders.
Visit the Colorado’s 2015 State Wildlife Action Plan Page
Species Distribution Modeling
CNHP has used a variety of modeling algorithms to produce predictive distribution models, or models of suitable habitat for dozens of plant and animal species, as well as for major ecosystem types in Colorado.
Visit the Species Distribution Modeling Page
STReaMS - Endangered Fishes Database
CNHP’s custom database solution to track endangered fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fish recovery programs.
Visit the STReaMS - Endangered Fishes Database Page
Non-native Animals
CNHP is concerned about the impacts of many other non-native animals such as fish, amphibians, birds, and other organisms. We record the locations and associated issues with many of these taxa during field surveys, such as Countywide Surveys of Critical Biological Resources.
Visit the Non-native Animals Page
