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With the addition of 133 profiles, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has completed publication of The Rare Species Guide, an online reference about the state's rarest plant and animal species.

"The Rare Species Guide, accessible through the DNR's website at www.mndnr.gov, now provides easy access to information about all 439 of Minnesota's endangered, threatened, and special concern species," said Sarah Wren, Rare Species Guide Project manager.

The guide, which synthesizes knowledge from years of research and management experience by DNR biologists and external experts, is the state's authoritative reference on state-listed species.

Each species profile includes an explanation of the species' rarity; state and federal status designations; descriptive, life history, and habitat information; conservation/management issues and recommendations; Minnesota and North American range maps; photographs; and bibliographic references.

While designed for a broad audience, the Rare Species Guide is particularly valuable for natural resource professionals who prepare conservation and management plans, plan land acquisitions, or participate in environmental review.

Citizens, educators and students will also find it a useful tool to learn about the rare species that occur in their home or work areas. Users can search for species profiles based on common or scientific name, state and federal endangerment status, broad taxonomic group (such as mammals or birds), habitat, location (including counties, watersheds and ecological classification system subsections), and/or keyword.

The guide, available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/index.html, is regularly updated as new information becomes available.[[In-content Ad]]

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