Endangered Species Act

We can't talk about Wildlife Conservation without talking about the most important law put into play for wildlife everywhere. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 was put into play by President Richard M. Nixon. The act at it's core was put in place to protect animals and species that are endanger of disappearing forever. The act showed global leadership, the act which has been the most important act enacted to protect species across the US, has shown great promise over the years protecting many species and brought them on the road to recovery.

Over the past 200 years scientists have estimated over 500 species have disappeared in the United States alone! So many species lost to time because of human interaction and other outside factors. The Endangered Species Coalition has been relentless in protecting many different species over the years ranging from black-footed ferrets to sea turtles.

The act is simple and has 3 key elements:

• Preventing listed species from being harmed or killed
• Protecting habitats essential to these species survival
• Creating plans to restore healthy populations

In addition to these elements the act also gives states, tribes and private landowners numerous conservation resources. Since the act was enacted over 1,200 species have been saved and set on the road to recovery with many more to come in the coming years. Not only does the act protect animals but it also protects plants vital to the survival of humans and animals alike.

For a species to be protected under the act it must first be listed as "endangered" or "threatened" this can be done by petition from the state or public agencies which include, National Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Species will become candidates and be given limited protection under the act until fully enacted into the act. When they are added to the list they must also designate a "critical habitat" which are specific areas that need to be given special treatment and management to protect the failing species. Once both of these criteria are met a recovery plan is put in place and recovery efforts begin. However, each federal agency is required to ensure that the species will not be threatened more by acts made by various agencies to protect the species.

If you would like to learn more about this act and the agencies who take part in it please visit the links below:

http://www.endangered.org/campaigns/protecting-the-endangered-species-act/

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/

https://www.fws.gov/