List of species of special concern in Rabun County, Georgia facts for kids

Did you know that Rabun County, Georgia, is home to many special animals and plants? Some of these living things are very rare. Others are in danger of disappearing forever. Both the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources keep lists of these important species. They want to protect them for the future.

Animals in Danger

Many animals in Rabun County need our help. Some are "endangered," meaning they are at high risk of dying out. Others are "threatened," which means they could become endangered soon. "Rare" or "uncommon" species are those that are not found very often. Let's learn about some of these amazing creatures.

Amphibians and Reptiles

Rabun County has unique amphibians and reptiles. These include salamanders, turtles, and snakes.

Green Salamander

The Aneides aeneus, or Green Salamander, is a special amphibian. It lives in rocky places. This salamander is "imperiled" in Georgia. This means it is at high risk of disappearing from the state.

A Green Salamander on a rock.

Hellbender

The Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis is a giant salamander. It is also known as the Hellbender. These amazing creatures live in clean, fast-flowing rivers. They are "imperiled" in Georgia. This makes them a rare sight.

A Hellbender, a large salamander.

Bog Turtle

The Glyptemys muhlenbergii, or Bog Turtle, is a small turtle. It lives in wet, marshy areas. This turtle is "threatened" by the U.S. government. It is also "imperiled" in Georgia. This means it needs strong protection.

A small Bog Turtle.

Northern Pine Snake

The Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus, or Northern Pine Snake, is a large snake. It is "imperiled" in Georgia. This means it is very rare to find.

Fish Species

Several fish species in Rabun County are also at risk. They need clean water to survive.

Brassy Jumprock

The Moxostoma sp. 4, or Brassy Jumprock, is a type of sucker fish. It is considered "rare - apparently secure" in Georgia. This means it's not common, but its numbers seem stable for now.

Silver Shiner

The Notropis photogenis, or Silver Shiner, is a small, shiny fish. It is "critically imperiled" in Georgia. This means it is in extreme danger of disappearing. It is also listed as "endangered" in the state.

A Silver Shiner fish.

Gilt Darter

The Percina evides, or Gilt Darter, is a colorful fish. It is "imperiled or rare" in Georgia. This means its population is very low.

A Gilt Darter fish.

Mammals

Rabun County is home to several rare mammals.

Southern Red-backed Vole

The Clethrionomys gapperi, or Southern Red-backed Vole, is a small rodent. It is "rare - apparently secure" in Georgia. This means it's not common, but its population is not in immediate danger.

A Southern Red-backed Vole.

Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat

The Corynorhinus rafinesquii, or Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat, has very large ears. It is "rare" in Georgia. This bat needs specific places to roost, like caves.

Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat.

Southern Appalachian Woodrat

The Neotoma floridana haematoreia, or Southern Appalachian Woodrat, is a type of rat. It is "rare" in Georgia. These woodrats build large nests of sticks and debris.

Masked Shrew

The Sorex cinereus, or Masked Shrew, is a tiny mammal. It is "imperiled or rare" in Georgia. Shrews are important parts of the forest ecosystem.

A Masked Shrew.

Red Squirrel

The Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, or Red Squirrel, is a common sight in some areas. In Georgia, it is "apparently secure." This means its population is healthy.

An American Red Squirrel.

Insects

Even insects can be rare and need protection.

Diana Fritillary Butterfly

The Speyeria diana, or Diana Fritillary, is a beautiful butterfly. Its status in Georgia is not specifically ranked, but it is an important part of the ecosystem.

Plants in Danger

Just like animals, many plants in Rabun County are also rare or threatened. Protecting these plants helps keep the whole ecosystem healthy.

Unique Wildflowers

Rabun County's forests and fields are home to many special wildflowers.

Wild Sarsaparilla

Aralia nudicaulis, or Wild Sarsaparilla, is a plant that is "imperiled" in Georgia. This means it is at high risk of disappearing from the state.

Wild Sarsaparilla plant.

Pink Ladyslipper

The Cypripedium acaule, or Pink Ladyslipper, is a beautiful orchid. It is "secure" in Georgia. This means its population is stable.

A Pink Ladyslipper orchid.

Large-flowered Yellow Ladyslipper

Another beautiful orchid is Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens, the Large-flowered Yellow Ladyslipper. It is "apparently secure" in Georgia.

A Large-flowered Yellow Ladyslipper.

Roundleaf Sundew

The Drosera rotundifolia, or Roundleaf Sundew, is a fascinating carnivorous plant. It is "critically imperiled" in Georgia. This means it is in extreme danger.

A Roundleaf Sundew, a carnivorous plant.

Goldenseal

Hydrastis canadensis, or Goldenseal, is a plant known for its medicinal uses. It is "imperiled" and "endangered" in Georgia. This means it is very rare and needs protection.

Goldenseal plant with berries.

Small Whorled Pogonia

The Isotria medeoloides, or Small Whorled Pogonia, is a very rare orchid. It is "threatened" by the U.S. government. It is also "imperiled" and "threatened" in Georgia.

A Small Whorled Pogonia orchid.

American Ginseng

Panax quinquefolius, or American Ginseng, is another plant valued for its roots. It is "rare" in Georgia.

American Ginseng plant.

Dwarf Ginseng

Panax trifolius, or Dwarf Ginseng, is a smaller relative. It is "critically imperiled" in Georgia.

Dwarf Ginseng plant.

Purple Pitcherplant

The Sarracenia purpurea, or Purple Pitcherplant, is another amazing carnivorous plant. It is "critically imperiled" and "endangered" in Georgia.

A Purple Pitcherplant.

Persistent Trillium

The Trillium persistens, or Persistent Trillium, is a beautiful wildflower. It is "endangered" by the U.S. government. It is also "critically imperiled" and "endangered" in Georgia.

A Persistent Trillium flower.

Trees and Shrubs

Some trees and shrubs in Rabun County also need protection.

Butternut

The Juglans cinerea, or Butternut tree, is "imperiled" in Georgia. This tree is known for its nuts.

A Butternut tree.

Carolina Hemlock

The Tsuga caroliniana, or Carolina Hemlock, is a beautiful evergreen tree. It is "critically imperiled" in Georgia.

A drawing of a Carolina Hemlock branch.

Grasses, Sedges, and Ferns

Even smaller plants like grasses, sedges, and ferns can be rare.

Northern Shorthusk Grass

Brachyelytrum septentrionale, or Northern Shorthusk Grass, is "critically imperiled" in Georgia.

Appalachian Sedge

Carex appalachica, or Appalachian Sedge, is a type of grass-like plant. It is "critically imperiled" in Georgia.

Sedge

Carex scabrata, another type of Sedge, is "imperiled or rare" in Georgia.

A Sedge plant.

Climbing Fern

The Lygodium palmatum, or Climbing Fern, is "imperiled" in Georgia. This fern can climb up other plants.

Taylor Filmy Fern

Hymenophyllum tayloriae, or Taylor Filmy Fern, is "critically imperiled" in Georgia. These ferns are very delicate.

Lichens and Mosses

Even tiny lichens and mosses can be rare and important.

Rock Gnome Lichen

The Gymnoderma lineare, or Rock Gnome Lichen, is a very special type of lichen. It is "endangered" by the U.S. government. It is also "critically imperiled" and "endangered" in Georgia.

Rock Gnome Lichen growing on a rock.

Mountain Wavy-leaf Moss

Plagiomnium carolinianum, or Mountain Wavy-leaf Moss, is "imperiled" in Georgia.

Why Protect These Species?

Protecting these endangered, threatened, and rare species is very important. Every plant and animal plays a role in the environment. When one species disappears, it can affect many others. By learning about and protecting these special living things, we help keep Rabun County's natural world healthy and beautiful for everyone.