Endangered Species Act

Bald eagle's were once listed as an endangered species.

Sitting in a National Park you stare in awe at a bald eagle flying through the air, a bird that has become known as the symbol of the United States. It's a pleasure that would not be possible without the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which protected bald eagles and their habitats and eventually restored the population of the birds, according to In Defense of Animals (IDA).

History

Grizzly bears are one of many species the Endangered Species Act of 1973 protects.

According to the United States Congress, "various species of fish, wildlife, and plants in the United States have been rendered extinct as a consequence of economic growth and development." In the 1960s and 1970s Congress also found that other species had been depleted so numerously that they were in danger of extinction. Because these species have educational, ecological and scientific value, the United States has committed itself to conserving wildlife, fish and plants facing extinction.

In 1973 Congress passed the Endangered Species Act, replacing the former Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966 and broadening its scope by more clearly defining endangered and threatened species, making plants and all invertebrates eligible for protection, changing certain prohibitions, requiring the involvement of federal agencies to help in conservation efforts and calling for government funding to assist the established program.

Defining Endangered/Threatened Species

Blue whales are facing extinction.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), an animal is endangered if the species "is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." Threatened species are also protected under the act, and are defined as any species likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. The Secretary of the Interior determines if a species should be placed on the Endangered Species list based on present or threatened destruction of habitat, over-utliization of the species for commercial, recreational, scientific or educational purposes, inadequacy of protective regulations or disease or predation. Other natural or man-made factors that can affect a species' continued existence are also considered.

Animals on the List

Jaguars are just one of many species on the Endangered Species list.

There are currently 632 plant and animal species considered endangered by the FWS. Grizzly bears, jaguars, blue whales, the gray wolf, bighorn sheep and the southern sea otter are just some examples.

Prohibited Acts/Fines

Harming a southern sea otter or its habitat will result in legal action.

It is illegal for anyone in the United States to import or export any endangered species or possess, sell, deliver, carry or transport any endangered species either nationally or internationally. Hunting, trapping, destroying any endangered species's habitat or taking any action that adversely affects an endangered habitat or plant is also prohibited.

Penalties for knowingly violating any laws pertaining to endangered species include fines up to $50,000, imprisonment for no longer than one year, or both. Penalties are only given after proper notification and an opportunity for a hearing. Penalties are not imposed on anyone able to prove his actions were done to protect himself or any other individual from an endangered or threatened species.

How You Can Help

The Fish and Wildlife Service welcomes petitions to add species to the endangered species list.

The FWS, in conjunction with other government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, enforces the Endangered Species Act. Any individual or organization can petition the FWS to include a threatened species on the endangered species list.

References

• In Defense of Animals: The Endangered Species Act: Fact Sheet
• "U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Endangered Species Act of 1973"
• "U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: A History of the Endangered Species Act of 1973"

Resources

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service