Animals of the ANF
Birds
The avifauna of Apalachicola National Forest (ANF), based on eBird checklists (Sullivan et al. 2009) from 20 sites in the forest, consists of nearly 200 species. A few of these (e.g., Magnificent Frigatebird) are rare flyovers associated with hurricanes. ANF is most famous for having the largest population of the federally threatened Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) in the world (James 1991; James 1995). The savannas of the Apalachicola Ranger District also provide important overwintering habitat for the Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii; McNair 1998). Fire is essential for maintaining the habitat for these and other birds associated with healthy longleaf pine ecosystems.
Mammals
A preliminary list of the mammal species of the Apalachicola National Forest has a total of 48 species. There are no mammal species on the USFWS list of threatened and endangered species, but 4 species are listed as sensitive (Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat, Southeastern Fox Squirrel, Southeastern Weasel, and Florida Black Bear).
Amphibians and Reptiles
Based on a survey of amphibians and reptiles in the Apalachicola National Forest (ANF; Means 1976; updated in 2026 by the author), a total of 116 reptiles and amphibians have been found to occur in ANF.
Fish
A preliminary list of the fish species of the Apalachicola National Forest (ANF) has a total of 68 species. Only one fish species is on the USFWS list of threatened and endangered species (Gulf Sturgeon – Threatened), but 4 species are listed as sensitive (Alabama Shad, Apalachicola Redhorse, Suwannee Bass, and Spotted Bullhead).
Listed Species
The Forest Service is required to manage its land in compliance with the provisions of the Endangered Species Act and its official list of threatened and endangered species. As of July 2026, the Apalachicola National Forest was believed to be home to 12 plants and animals listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act. Four of these species (three mussels and one fish) are found in the Apalachicola River and its tributaries. Eight listed species—one amphibian, two reptiles, one bird, and four plants—are found in the uplands.
The total list of sensitive species (including the species listed by the USFWS) according to NatureServe classification adds 97 animal species, 61 plants, 11 natural communities, and one geological feature deserving conservation consideration.