Critical habitat

(1) The specific areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time it is listed, on which are found those physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the listed species and which may require special management considerations for protection; and

(2) Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by a species at the time it is listed upon a determination by the Secretary of the Department of Interior that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species. These areas have been legally designated via Federal Register notices.

Defined under the Endangered Species Act, critical habitat is "the specific areas within the geographic area occupied by a species on which are found those physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species, and that may require special management considerations or protection; and specific areas outside the geographic area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species."

The specific area within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time it is listed as endangered or threatened. The area in which physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the species is found. These areas may require special management or protection.