Although listed due to several threats, hybridization with the Variegate Darter due to translocations of bait fish poses immediate threats to this species. In conjunction with the WVDNR Wildlife Diversity Fish Program, the RTE program has initiated a program to manage and restore populations of the endangered Candy Darter, a small, colorful fish found only in West Virginia and Virginia. To that end, the WVDNR has made fee-simple purchases of a number of caves, portions of Cheat Canyon, worked with private landowners to implement conservation easements on property throughout the state, and has provided technical information and support to non-governmental organizations and private industry partners. Long term project efforts also include programs to acquire or protect significant habitats and areas used by federally listed species. For example, the WVDNR has monitored populations of the Virginia big-eared bat and Indiana bat for over 30 years and has records that are over 100 years old. Although the WVDNR regularly implements new projects to recover listed species, many projects are long-term efforts. The WVDNR RTE program has made significant contributions to conservation of federally listed species, including toward the federal delisting of the West Virginia northern flying squirrel, bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and running buffalo clover. Key responsibilities of the RTE program include: 1) conducting surveys for RTE species to document their distribution in West Virginia 2) monitoring the status and trends of populations of RTE species 3) developing best management and conservation practices for RTE species through the application of sound science 4) implementing conservation and management programs to recover RTE species 5) fostering conservation partnerships 6) providing educational outreach and 7) providing expert input on RTE species conservation and policy at local, regional, and national levels. The WVDNR RTE species program implements conservation actions for all federally listed species in West Virginia, several delisted species, and a number of species of greatest conservation need that are not federally listed. To conserve these species, the WVDNR maintains an active rare, threatened, and endangered species program (WVDNR RTE). There are numerous other West Virginia endemic species known to science, and likely many more in our many caves, springs and wildernesses that have yet to be scientifically described. Of the permanent resident listed species, three are West Virginia endemics, that is, are found only within the state of West Virginia. Three additional listed species are considered occasional, or accidental visitors. West Virginia is a permanent home to 22 federally endangered species (17 animals, four plants) and seven federally threatened species (five animals, two plants). The Endangered Species Act establishes protections for plants and animals considered to be endangered or threatened (i.e.
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