Special interest species in the Tahoe Region are native wildlife species that are aesthetically pleasing to residents and visitors, and/or are especially vulnerable to extirpation. The emphasis for special interest species in the Tahoe Region is on maintaining and improving the functional and biological characteristics of the ecosystem to support the needs of the species. Current threats to special interest species in the Tahoe Region include unhealthy forests and recreation impacts around nesting areas. Policies such as protecting unique wildlife habitats from modification and reducing impacts from recreation aim to improve the populations of special interest species.