Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 391-4-10-.02 - Definitions

All terms used in these rules and regulations shall be interpreted in accordance with the definitions as set forth in the Acts or as otherwise herein defined.

(a) The "Acts" as used in these rules refer to the "Wildfower Preservation Act of 1973", the "Endangered Wildlife Act of 1973", and other laws relating to game and fish.

(b) "Department" means the Department of Natural Resorces.

(c) "Person" means any natural person, firm, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, local government of the state, or other legal entity.

(d) "Protected species" means those species of plants and animal life which the Department shall have designated as such and has made subject to the protection of these Acts. Protected species shall be interpreted to include those classified as follows:

1. "Endangered species" means any resident species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, or one which is designated as endangered under the provisions of the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205).

2. "Threatened species" means any resident species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range or one that is designated as threatened under the provisions of the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205).

3. "Rare species" means any resident species which, although not presently endangered or threatened as previously defined, should be protected because of its scarcity.

4. "Unusual species" means any resident species which exhibits special or unique features and because of these features deserves special consideration in its continued survival in the State.

(e) "Public lands" means all those lands within this state which are owned by the State of Georgia.

(f) "Resident species" means any species, sub-species or variety of plant or animal life that is genetically, morphologically, ecologically, or geographically distinct, and which interbreeds freely with its kind at maturity, and which exists in this state, including its waters, in the wild during any part of its life.

(g) "Status Undetermined species" means a resident species which is not afforded protection under these rules and regulations, but should additional research show the need for protection these or any other species may be moved to the protected category.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 391-4-10-.02

Ga. L. 1973, p. 932, O.C.G.A. Secs. 12-6-172, 27-3-132.

Original Rule entitled "Definitions" was filed on August 5, 1976 as Rule 391-4-13-.02; effective August 25, 1976. Amended: Rule renumbered as 391-4-10-.02. Filed December 22, 1980; effective January 11, 1981. Amended: F. Nov. 4, 1992; eff. Nov. 24, 1992.