Endemic Animals of United States








Mohave Ground Squirrel
The Mohave ground squirrel (Xerospermophilus mohavensis ) is a species of ground squirrel found only in the Mojave Desert in California. The squirrel was first described in 1886 by Frank Stephens of San Diego. It is listed as a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act, but not under the federal Endangered Species Act. The IUCN lists this species as near threatened.
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Mohave Ground Squirrel
Utah Prairie Dog
The Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens) is the smallest species of prairie dog, a member of the squirrel family of rodents.It is a protected species as it faces various threats the most dangerous being habitat loss.
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Utah Prairie Dog
Giant Kangaroo Rat
The giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens ) is an endangered species of heteromyid rodent endemic to California.
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Giant Kangaroo Rat
Idaho Ground Squirrel
The northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus ) is a species of the largest genus of ground squirrels. This species and the Southern Idaho ground squirrel were previously considered conspecific, together called the Idaho ground squirrel.
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Idaho Ground Squirrel
Black-Footed Ferret
The endangered Black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) belongs to the weasel family and is the only ferret that is native to North America. Domestic ferrets are a different species and of European origin. The Black-footed ferret was once found in the tens of thousands, however, by the 1960s they were almost extinct. Although still endangered, the species is on its way to making a comeback. Concerted efforts over the last thirty years from many ...
federal and state agencies, Native American tribes, private landowners, zoos, and conservation organizations have assisted in the survival of Black-footed ferrets.
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Black-Footed Ferret
Gunnison Sage-Grouse
The Gunnison grouse or Gunnison sage-grouse or lesser sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus ) is a species of grouse endemic to the United States. It is similar to the closely related greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus ) in appearance, but about a third smaller in size, with much thicker plumes behind the head; it also has a less elaborate courtship dance. It is restricted in range to southwestern Colorado and extreme southeastern Utah, ...
with the largest population residing in the Gunnison Basin region in Colorado. Despite being native to a country where the avifauna is relatively well known, it was overlooked until the 1990s due to the similarities with the sage grouse, and only described as a new species in 2000—making it the first new avian species to be described from the USA since the 19th century. The description of C. minimus as a separate species is supported by a molecular study of genetic variation, showing that gene flow between the large-bodied and the small-bodied birds is absent.
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Gunnison Sage-Grouse
Gopher Tortoise
The Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is one of a group of North American land tortoises that originated 60 million years ago, and is, therefore, one of the oldest species alive today. They are named for their ability to dig big, deep burrows. Their burrows are often used by a range of other species in the ecosystem, making these animals a keystone species having a pivotal role in their native community.
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Gopher Tortoise
Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse
The salt marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris ), also known as the red-bellied harvest mouse, is an endangered rodent endemic to the San Francisco Bay Area salt marshes in California. The two distinct subspecies are both endangered and listed together on federal and state endangered-species lists. The northern subspecies (R. r. halicoetes ) is lighter in color and inhabits the northern marshes of the bay, and the southern subspecies ...
(R. r. raviventris ) lives in the East and South Bay marshes. They are both quite similar in appearance to their congener species, the Western harvest mouse, R. megalotis, to which they are not closely related. Genetic studies of the northern subspecies have revealed that the salt marsh harvest mouse is most closely related to the plains harvest mouse, R. montanus, which occurs now in the Midwest. Its endangered designation is due to its limited range, historic decline in population and continuing threat of habitat loss due to development encroachment at the perimeter of San Francisco Bay.
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Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse
American Alligator
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States. It is one of the two extant species in the genus Alligator, and is probably the largest species within its family Alligatoridae; it is larger than the only other living alligator species, the Chinese alligator.
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American Alligator
Florida Mouse
The Florida mouse (Podomys floridanus ) is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is the only species in the genus Podomys, which is the only mammal genus endemic to Florida. The Florida mouse (also known as the big-eared deermouse, the Florida deermouse, and the gopher mouse) is found only in a limited area in central peninsular Florida and in one small area in the Florida panhandle. The mouse inhabits some of Florida's hottest and ...
driest areas in the high pinelands, sandhills, flatlands, and coastal scrub.The mouse is an omnivore, measures 195 mm (7.7 in) in total length, has relatively large ears, and displays brown to orange upperparts and white underparts. The mouse breeds throughout the year, and raises its two or three young per litter in the nesting chambers and passages it constructs in the burrow of the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus ). Real estate development and a decline in the gopher tortoise population threaten the mouse's future. The species is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
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Florida Mouse
Alpine Chipmunk
The alpine chipmunk (Neotamias alpinus ) is a species of chipmunk native to the high elevations of the Sierra Nevada of California.
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Alpine Chipmunk
Sonoma Chipmunk
The Sonoma chipmunk (Neotamias sonomae ) is a small ground-dwelling rodent in the squirrel family Sciuridae. It is endemic to northwestern California in the United States. Members of Neotamias are characterized by having 2 premolars, transitional teeth located between the canine and molar teeth. Sonoma chipmunk has 2 subspecies: Neotamias sonomae alleni and Neotamias sonomae sonomae.
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Sonoma Chipmunk
Olympic Marmot
The Olympic marmot (Marmota olympus ) is a rodent in the squirrel family, Sciuridae; it occurs only in the U.S. state of Washington, on the middle elevations of the Olympic Peninsula. The closest relatives of this species are the hoary marmot and the Vancouver Island marmot. In 2009, it was declared the official endemic mammal of Washington.This marmot is about the size of a domestic cat, typically weighing about 8 kg (18 lb) in summer. The s ...
pecies shows the greatest sexual dimorphism found in marmots, with adult males weighing on average 23% more than females. It can be identified by a wide head, small eyes and ears, stubby legs, and a long, bushy tail. Its sharp, rounded claws aid in digging burrows. The coat color changes with the season and with age, but an adult marmot's coat is brown all over with small whiter areas for most of the year.The species has a diet consisting mainly of a variety of meadow flora, including dry grasses, which it also uses as bedding in burrows. It is preyed on by various terrestrial mammals and avian raptors, but its main predator today is the coyote, however the complex system of communication through whistling means most marmots remain safe for their entire life. The Olympic marmot is rated a species of the least concern on the IUCN Red List. It is protected by law in the Olympic National Park, which contains most of its habitat.The burrows of this marmot are made in colonies, which are found in various mountain locations and differ in size. A colony may contain as few as one marmot family or multiple families with up to 40 marmots. Olympic marmots are very sociable animals which often engage in play fighting and vocalize four different whistles to communicate. During hibernation beginning in September, they are in a deep sleep and do not eat, causing them to lose half their body mass. Adults emerge in May and their young in June. Female marmots reach sexual maturity at three years of age, and produce litters of 1–6 every other mating season.
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Olympic Marmot
San Joaquin Antelope Squirrel
The San Joaquin antelope squirrel or Nelson's antelope squirrel (Ammospermophilus nelsoni ), is a species of antelope squirrel, in the San Joaquin Valley of the U.S. state of California.
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San Joaquin Antelope Squirrel
Southern Short-Tailed Shrew
The southern short-tailed shrew (Blarina carolinensis ) is a gray, short-tailed shrew that inhabits the eastern United States.
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Southern Short-Tailed Shrew
Swift Fox
The Swift fox (Vulpes velox) is a small fox around the size of a domestic cat found in the western grasslands of North America. It is closely related to the Kit fox. The Swift fox became nearly extinct in the 1930s as a result of predator control programs but was successfully reintroduced later.
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Swift Fox
Island Fox
The Island fox (Urocyon littoralis) is a small fox native to six of the eight Channel Islands of California. There are six subspecies, each unique to the island it lives on, reflecting its evolutionary history. They are generally docile, show little fear of humans, and are easily tamed. Island foxes played an important role in the spiritual lives of native Channel Islanders. They have been likely semi-domesticated as pets, used as pelts, or for ...
other functions, like pest control.
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Island Fox
Corn Snake
The Corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a North American species of rat snake. Their docile nature, reluctance to bite, moderate adult size, attractive pattern, and comparatively simple care make them commonly kept pet snakes. Though superficially resembling the venomous copperhead and often killed as a result of this mistaken identity, Corn snakes are harmless and beneficial to humans. They are named for their regular presence near grain ...
stores, where they prey on mice and rats that eat harvested corn.
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Corn Snake
American Anole
The American anole (Anolis carolinensis) is an arboreal anole lizard native to the southeastern United States and introduced elsewhere. It is also sometimes referred to as the American chameleon due to its ability to change color from several brown hues to bright green, and its somewhat similar appearance and diet preferences. However, it is not a true chameleon and the nickname is misleading although it can camouflage.
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American Anole
Alabama Red-Bellied Turtle
The Alabama red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys alabamensis ) or Alabama red-bellied turtle, is native to Alabama. It belongs to the turtle family Emydidae, the pond turtles. It is the official reptile of the state of Alabama.
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Alabama Red-Bellied Turtle
Water Moccasin
The Water moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus) is a species of venomous pit viper. It is one of the world's few semiaquatic vipers (along with the Florida cottonmouth) and is native to the southeastern United States. As an adult, it is large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite. Many of its common names refer to the threat display, in which the Water moccasin will often stand its ground and gape at an intruder, exposing ...
the white lining of its mouth. Many scientists dislike the use of the term water moccasin since it can lead to confusion between the venomous cottonmouth and non-venomous water snakes.
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Water Moccasin
Alligator Snapping Turtle
The Alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a large species of turtle in the family Chelydridae. The species is one of the heaviest freshwater turtles in the world. It is also the largest freshwater species of turtle in North America. The specific epithet temminckii is in honor of Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck.
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Alligator Snapping Turtle
Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus ) is a species of venomous, sometimes highly venomous, pit viper endemic to eastern North America. This is the only rattlesnake species in most of the populous Northeastern United States and is second only to its relatives to the west, the Prairie rattlesnake, as the most northerly distributed venomous snake in North America.
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Timber Rattlesnake
Western Rat Snake
The Western rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) is a non-venomous species of Colubridae found in central North America. Along with other snakes of the eastern United States, like the Eastern indigo snake or the Eastern racer, it is called 'black snake'.
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Western Rat Snake
Southern Black Racer
The Southern black racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) is one of the more common subspecies of the non-venomous Eastern racer. These snakes are quite active during the day and eat almost any animal they can overpower. They are quite fast, giving them the name "racer".
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Southern Black Racer
Eastern Indigo Snake
The Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) is a large, non-venomous snake native to the United States. It is the longest native snake species in the U.S.
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Eastern Indigo Snake
Pygmy Rattlesnake
The Pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) is a small venomous snake native to the United States. It is a member of the pit viper family. Pit vipers have a heat-sensing pit organ located between the eye and the nostril on both sides of the head; these organs are of great value to a predator that hunts at night, as well as for avoiding the snake’s own predators.
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Pygmy Rattlesnake
Hawaiian Hawk
The Hawaiian hawk or ʻio (Buteo solitarius ) is a raptor in the genus Buteo endemic to Hawaiʻi, currently restricted to the Big Island. The ʻio is one of two birds of prey that is native to Hawaiʻi, the other being the Pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl) and fossil evidence indicates that it inhabited the island of Hawaiʻi, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and Kauaʻi at one time. Today, it is known to breed only on the Big Island, in stands of native ʻōhiʻa lehua (Met ...
rosideros polymorpha ) trees. The species was protected as an endangered species in the United States, but was delisted in 2020. However, the IUCN classifies the species as Near Threatened.
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Hawaiian Hawk
Florida Scrub-Jay
The Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens ) is one of the species of scrub jay native to North America. It is the only species of bird endemic to the U.S. state of Florida and one of only 15 species endemic to the continental United States. Because of this, it is keenly sought by birders. It is known to have been present in Florida as a distinct species for at least 2 million years, and is possibly derived from the ancestors of Woodhouse's ...
scrub jay.It measures 23 to 28 cm (9.1 to 11.0 in) in length, and weighs from 66 to 92 g (2.3 to 3.2 oz), with an average 80.2 g (2.83 oz). The wingspan of the jay is 33–36 cm (13–14 in). It has a strong black bill, blue head and nape without a crest, a whitish forehead and supercilium, blue bib, blue wings, grayish underparts, gray back, long blue tail, black legs and feet.
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Florida Scrub-Jay
Carolina Parakeet
The Carolina parakeet (Conuropsis carolinensis ), or Carolina conure, is an extinct species of small green neotropical parrot with a bright yellow head, reddish orange face and pale beak that was native to the eastern, Midwest and plains states of the United States. It was the only indigenous parrot within its range, as well as one of only three parrot species native to the United States (the others being the thick-billed parrot, now extirpated, ...
and the green parakeet, still present in Texas; a fourth parrot species, the red-crowned amazon, is debated). The Carolina parakeet was found from southern New York and Wisconsin to Kentucky, Tennessee and the Gulf of Mexico, from the Atlantic seaboard to as far west as eastern Colorado. It lived in old-growth forests along rivers and in swamps. It was called puzzi la née ("head of yellow") or pot pot chee by the Seminole and kelinky in Chickasaw. Though formerly prevalent within its range, the bird had become rare by the middle of the 19th century. The last confirmed sighting in the wild was of the ludovicianus subspecies in 1910. The last known specimen perished in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1918 and the species was declared extinct in 1939.The earliest reference to these parrots was in 1583 in Florida reported by Sir George Peckham in A True Report of the Late Discoveries of the Newfound Lands of expeditions conducted by English explorer Sir Humphrey Gilbert who notes that explorers in North America "doe testifie that they have found in those countryes; ... parrots." They were first scientifically described in English naturalist Mark Catesby's two volume Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands published in London in 1731 and 1743.Carolina parakeets were probably poisonous—American naturalist and painter John J. Audubon noted that cats apparently died from eating them, and they are known to have eaten the toxic seeds of cockleburs.
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Carolina Parakeet
Lesser Prairie Chicken
The lesser prairie chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus ) is a species in the grouse family.
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Lesser Prairie Chicken
Red-Cockaded Woodpecker
The red-cockaded woodpecker (Leuconotopicus borealis ) is a woodpecker endemic to the southeastern United States.
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Red-Cockaded Woodpecker
Prairie Kingsnake
The Prairie kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster) is a nonvenomous species of kingsnake native to North America. Kingsnakes are often preyed upon large birds of prey, however, a considerable threat also comes from other kingsnakes. All species of kingsnakes are known snake- and reptile-eaters, and likely won't turn down a chance to prey on their local competitors.
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Prairie Kingsnake
Banded Water Snake
The Banded water snake (Nerodia fasciata) is a mostly aquatic, nonvenomous, colubrid snake native to the United States. The appearance of these snakes leads them to be frequently mistaken for other snakes with which they share a habitat, including the venomous cottonmouth.
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Banded Water Snake
Broad-Headed Skink
The broad-headed skink or broadhead skink (Plestiodon laticeps ) is species of lizard, endemic to the southeastern United States. The broadhead skink occurs in sympatry with the five-lined skink (Plestiodon fasciatus ) and Southeastern five-lined skink (Plestiodon inexpectatus) in forest of the Southeastern United States. All three species are phenotypically similar throughout much of their development and were considered a single species prior ...
to the mid 1930s.
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Broad-Headed Skink
Rainbow Snake
Farancia erytrogramma (also known commonly as the rainbow snake, and less frequently as the eel moccasin) is a species of large, nonvenomous, highly aquatic, colubrid snake, which is endemic to coastal plains of the southeastern United States. Two subspecies are recognized as being valid, one of which has been declared extinct.
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Rainbow Snake
Southern Hognose Snake
Heterodon simus, commonly known as the southern hog-nosed snake, is a harmless snake species endemic to the southeastern United States. No subspecies are currently recognized.
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Southern Hognose Snake
Rough Earth Snake
Haldea striatula (formerly Virginia striatula ), commonly called the rough earth snake, is a species of nonvenomous natricine colubrid snake native to the Southeastern United States.
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Rough Earth Snake
Red wolf
The red wolf (Canis rufus ) is a canine native to the southeastern United States. Its size is intermediate between the coyote (Canis latrans ) and gray wolf (Canis lupus ).The red wolf's taxonomic classification as being a separate species, a subspecies of the gray wolf Canis lupus rufus, or a coywolf (a genetic admixture of wolf and coyote) has been contentious for nearly a century. Because of this, it is sometimes excluded from endangered ...
species lists, despite its critically low numbers. Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service currently recognizes the red wolf as an endangered species and grants protected status. Since 1996, the IUCN has listed the red wolf as a Critically Endangered species, however it is not listed in the CITES Appendices of endangered species.
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Red wolf
Hellbender
The hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis ), also known as the hellbender salamander, is a species of aquatic giant salamander endemic to the eastern and central United States. It is the largest salamander in North America. A member of the family Cryptobranchidae, the hellbender is the only extant member of the genus Cryptobranchus. Other closely related salamanders in the same family are in the genus Andrias, which contains the Japanese and ...
Chinese giant salamanders. The hellbender, which is much larger than all other salamanders in its geographic range, employs an unusual means of respiration (which involves cutaneous gas exchange through capillaries found in its dorsoventral skin folds), and fills a particular niche—both as a predator and prey—in its ecosystem, which either it or its ancestors have occupied for around 65 million years. The species is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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Hellbender
American green tree frog
The American green tree frog (Dryophytes cinereus ) is a common species of New World tree frog belonging to the family Hylidae. It is a common backyard species, popular as a pet, and is the state amphibian of Georgia and Louisiana.
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American green tree frog
Carolina Chickadee
The Carolina chickadee (Poecile carolinensis ) is a small passerine bird in the tit family Paridae.
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Carolina Chickadee
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