Wyoming's State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) is a comprehensive strategy to maintain the health and diversity of wildlife within the state, including reducing the need for future listings under the Endangered Species Act. Special emphasis is given to addressing wildlife species that have received less attention in the past, including those that are not hunted or fished. All 50 states have developed SWAPs, providing a framework for planning and coordination on wildlife issues that cross state boundaries. The development and implementation of SWAPs is supported by the US Fish and Wildlife Services' State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program.
Wyoming's SWAP addresses a variety of wildlife and habitat management challenges, the terrestrial habitat types and aquatic basins that cover a majority of the state, and Wyoming's Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). SGCN are individual species identified within the SWAP which are used to develop conservation strategies and are designated by evaluating trends in population numbers and potential threats. The 2017 SWAP identifies 229 SGCN in Wyoming.
SWAPs are coordinated with federal, state, and local agencies; industries; and nonprofit organizations, in addition to having public involvement. Wyoming's SWAP is revised at least every 10 years, previously in 2010.
