Elements of concern

As I suggested last time, I find it useful to start by thinking about the elements of concern. The statement of purpose provides pretty clear guidance about what those elements are: (1) terrestrial and wetland plant and animal species and (2) natural communities. As Table 1 makes clear, the species of concern include not just rare species, but all native species in the Commonwealth.

Table 1: Elements of concern

Biodiversity group	Rare species	Native species
Vascular plants	246	1538
Birds	21	221
Reptiles	11	25
Amphibians	6	21
Mammals	4	85
Lepidoptera	52	2500-3000
Odanata	25	165
Orthoptera	10	2500-4000
	Verified	Total
Communities	92	$>$105