California Fully Protected Species

"Fully Protected" is a legal protective designation administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), intended to conserve wildlife species that risk extinction within the state of California.

This language arguably makes the "Fully Protected" designation the strongest and most restrictive regarding the "take" of these species.

As mentioned above, California law states that no permit may be issued for take of fully protected species, under almost any circumstances.

Thus, presence of a fully protected animal in an area such as a construction zone can literally bring the entire project to a halt.

In contrast, the ESA carries stronger penalties, but has provisions built in for mitigation options in the event of unavoidable take.