D3352: Prioritizing invertebrates in the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP)

Georgia DNR's Wildlife Conservation Section (WCS) is undertaking a comprehensive revision of our State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). The SWAP is a requirement of all states to maintain eligibility for State Wildlife Grant funding. The resulting document will guide the conservation of priority species and habitats by the GA DNR and its partners. Invertebrates have been underrepresented in past SWAPs throughout the United States. Reasons for this lack of representation include a deficit in statewide data, a lack of conservation entomologists, and funding concerns. The SWAP of 2025 presents a once-in-a-decade opportunity to identify invertebrate species of high conservation concern. The recognition will ensure that more arthropods are considered in state research, management, and protection initiatives.