Wildlife

Phoenix and the Sonoran Desert are home to a wide variety of native plants and wildlife, many of which are also protected under state or federal law. By embracing our Sonoran Desert biodiversity in landscaping, you can directly help provide important habitat for key species like pollinators while moving towards other goals that will help make Phoenix the most sustainable desert city. Supporting and enjoying the City’s desert preserves and habitat restoration areas like Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area and Tres Rios are other great ways to celebrate and support the Sonoran Desert.

Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area

Tres Rios Wetlands

Protected Species Compliance

Many plant and animal species in Phoenix are protected under state or federal law, such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Arizona Native Plant Law, and others. The Office of Environmental Programs provides compliance guidance and policy updates on federal and state wildlife regulations to city facilities, operations, and projects. If you are working on a City of Phoenix project, please contact the City’s Wildlife Program Manager to discuss compliance with applicable protected species laws.

The Office of Environmental Programs does not provide regulatory advice or guidance on protected species for private projects. Below are some links and connections to the regulatory agencies that private projects can use to check on applicable compliance requirements.

USFWS Endangered Species Act Overview

USFWS ESA Information for Planning and Consultation Tool

USFWS Arizona Ecological Services

USFWS Migratory Bird Treaty Act Overview

USFWS Migratory Bird Treaty Act Protected Species List

Arizona Game and Fish Department

AGFD Online Environmental Review Tool

AGFD Sensitive Species Lists

AGFD Burrowing Owl Management Guidelines

AGFD Planning for Wildlife

AGFD Guidelines for Handling Sonoran Desert Tortoises Encountered on Development Projects

Stinknet Informational Brochure