The conservation status ranks for the following species were assigned following NatureServe's protocol on species assessment. An explanation of the methodology, a description of the factors being assessed and the spreadsheet calculator tool can be viewed and downloaded from NatureServe's Rank Methodology website. The calculator used for these evaluations was version 2.0, unless otherwise noted in the footer of the document. For a brief description of the meaning of the rank codes, see our Rare Species Ranking Definitions page.

The element ranks assigned to the species under the Survey and Manage Assessment section of this website (completed in 2004) followed a similar protocol as the NatureServe methodology but the calculator tool had not been developed at that time. The ranks below, on this page, supercede all other ranks for a given species.

Ranks are assigned as a couplet, one for the global level and one for the state/Oregon level. If only the global ranking form is available for viewing, then the species is an Oregon endemic and the state rank and information will be the same. If only the state ranking form is available for viewing, then the species occurs outside of Oregon as well and Oregon does not have global ranking authority. The global ranks for these species therefore reflect the published values in the current Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species of Oregon list, and global ranking authority rests with another state or with NatureServe.

As time allows more species will have their ranks documented and published here, please check back periodically for updates.