what is a critical habitat
Critical habitat is defined as specific areas: 1  within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of listing, if they contain physical or biological features essential to conservation, and those features may require special management considerations or protection; and.ritical habitat requirements do not apply to citizens engaged in activities on private land that do not involve a Federal agency. Before designating critical habitat, careful consideration must be given to the economic impacts, impacts on national security, and other relevant impacts.