The Alabama Field Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Flattened musk turtle on a moss covered rock
Welcome!

Latest News

Freshwater mussels from the Chipola River.
Our Partners
Conservation Success Story: A Tale of Two Mussels
Two species of freshwater mussels living in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint basin may no longer require federal protection after decades of partnered habitat restoration work. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to remove the Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis) and fat...
A woodpecker perched on a tree with a bug in its mouth.
Endangered Species Act
Downlisting of Red-cockaded Woodpecker from Endangered to Threatened
The Department of the Interior today announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is downlisting the red-cockaded woodpecker from endangered to threatened status under the Endangered Species Act. This milestone is the result of five decades of collaborative conservation efforts between the...
A sea turtle attempts to nest, but tourists and their lights scared it back into the water.
A Shining Light
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist is teaming up with city officials, conservationists, and volunteers to keep beaches dark for sea turtles.
close up of a freshwater mussel laying in a person's hand
Endangered Species Act
Public Invited to Comment on Slabside Pearlymussel Draft Recovery Plan
The public can now view and comment on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s draft recovery plan for the endangered slabside pearlymussel, a freshwater mussel which helps protect water quality by filtering out pollutants, algae, and harmful bacteria.
Snail crawling up a vertical rock face
Endangered Species Act
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Conducts Five-Year Status Reviews of 59 Southeastern Species
As part of the process mandated by the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will conduct five-year status reviews of 59 endangered or threatened fish, wildlife, and plants. 
5 brown coal darters in a viewing container.
Endangered Species Act
Coal Darter Proposed Listing
The public has more time to have a say on the proposed threatened listing and 4(d) rule on the coal darter. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reopening the comment period for 30 days until May 8, 2024.
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About Us

5 staff members on a boat in the Tennessee River. 4 of the staff members are wearing dive gear.
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The state of Alabama is one of the most ecologically diverse states in the nation. The Alabama Ecological Services encompasses a staff of talented biologists, geographic specialists, communicators and administrative professionals charged with protecting the diverse fish, wildlife and plants in our great state. We do this by connecting with our many partners, including federal, state and local authorities, landowners and non-government organizations.

What We Do

Jeff Powell working with Hutton Scholar student to ID fish
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By using the best available science, we work closely with other experts in the field to provide guidance to the public, as well as state and federal agencies, whose projects may involve the habitat of federally threatened, endangered or at-risk species. We do this under the authority of the Endangered Species Act, and we always consider research, feedback and input from our partners. Working together to improve the habitat and recovery of imperiled species is at the heart of what we do.

Our Species

Vermilion Darter
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Alabama has more  fish species than any state, and the greatest concentration of turtle diversity in the nation. The longleaf pine forests surrounding the Mobile Delta include what many believe to be the greatest concentration of plant species in North America. The complex geology in our part of the world creates a number of unique habitats and niches that have helped species evolved over the millennium. From the Blue Ridge Mountains, across the Piedmont, to the Coastal Plain, Alabama has more species of freshwater and terrestrial animals than anywhere else in North America.  

Species Point of Contact in Alabama

Projects and Research

Measuring and tagging mussels
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Biologists of the Alabama Field Office are some of the hardest working scientists in the state. They are dedicated to getting their boots on the ground and hands dirty when it comes to the recovery of a species. Whether it's doing surveys of Alabama pearlshells or tracking the patterns of imperiled bats with transmitters, our staff works closely with our partners to help protect and recover fish, plants and other wildlife. 

Our Library

Science books on a bookshelf
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 Our library is home to helpful resources assisting you in your plant, wildlife and aquatic conservation efforts. 

Top down view of a brown and black catfish like fish in a viewing box.
Frecklebelly madtom critical habitat
Browse our library for maps and information about the Frecklebelly madtom endangered species status and critical habitat designation.
Library Collection
3 Items
Canoe Creek Clubshell sitting on a 6 inch yellow ruler on a rock next to the creek.
Canoe Creek Clubshell critical habitat
Browse our library for maps and information about the Canoe Creek Clubshell endangered species status and critical habitat designation.
Library Collection
2 Items

Location and Contact Information