Biologists at WRA are well versed in agency survey protocols for a wide variety of wetland and terrestrial rare plant and animal species. WRA biologists identify presence or absence of rare species in a project area, assess habitat values, and quantify population abundance and distribution.

Depending on the project requirements, WRA provides expert analyses of project impacts and mitigation, or habitat management plans for the rare species. Such information is required by agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other regulatory agencies. WRA also participates in formal consultations with agencies as required by the Endangered Species Act.

WRA's experience with rare wildlife species includes California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, salt marsh harvest mouse, valley elderberry longhorn beetle, Alameda whipsnake, California least tern, California clapper rail, San Francisco garter snake, black rail, western snowy plover, salt marsh yellowthroat, burrowing owl, vernal pool tadpole shrimp, bay checkerspot butterfly, Central California Coast steelhead, western pond turtle, golden eagle, and San Joaquin kit fox. WRA's experience with rare plant species includes Marin dwarf flax, Santa Clara Valley dudleya, Metcalf Canyon jewelflower, Contra Costa goldfields, Presidio clarkia, and Mt. Hamilton thistle.