The DEP conducts a variety of research and management programs to protect and restore endangered, threatened and special concern species in Connecticut and serves as the primary source of information on the status of rare plant and animal species throughout the state.

Information on state and federal listed species and natural communities is compiled and made available through the Department’s Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB). Established in 1983, the NDDB contains data from biological inventories conducted over the past 100 years. The NDDB currently contains information on the status of nearly 2000 species of plants and animals, including invertebrates and 45 natural community types.

The DEP’s Wildlife, Fisheries and Forestry Divisions conduct research and collect data on state listed species. Biologists, students, volunteers, conservation groups, and landowners, have all contributed valuable data that help us learn more about the biological diversity in our state.