How Are Animals Classified as Endangered?

According to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), only the biological status of a species and threats to its existence can determine whether or not it receives an endangered listing. The ESA then protects the species on the federal list and seeks to recover its ecosystem.

Administration

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or FWS has responsibility over land and freshwater organisms; the National Marine Fisheries Service, over organisms in the ocean.

Definition of "Endangered"

"Endangered" refers to a species in danger of extinction in a significant part of its range. Endangered species include plants and animals except insect pests.

Definition of Species

Under ESA species, Congress includes subspecies and varieties. It also includes distinct population segments for vertebrates.

How the FWS Lists Species

The FWS evaluates damage to habitat, overutilization, disease or predation, inadequacy of existing protection and other factors influencing continued existence. When at least one of these factors puts a species' survival in danger, the FWS uses sound science and peer review to decide on listing.

Protection and Recovery

The ESA prohibits pursuing, capturing or hunting of endangered animal species for interstate and international trade. The ESA prohibits collecting or causing malicious harm to listed plants on federal lands. The main goal is to restore or recover a species to ecological health with the help of species experts, other governmental agencies, tribes and other stakeholders so that it no longer needs ESA protection.

References

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: ESA Basics