How Does the Endangered Species Act Protect Species?
Other People Are Reading
-
Species Get Listed
-
The Endangered Species Act is designed to protect plant and animal species that are in danger of becoming extinct. Once a species is added to the endangered species list, it is entitled to protection. There are two categories on the list: "endangered" and "threatened." If a species is at risk for becoming extinct throughout a significant portion of its habitat range, then it is added to the "endangered" list. If a species is at risk for becoming "endangered" in the foreseeable future, then it is added to the "threatened" list. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service makes the decisions regarding listing (or delisting) a species. Together, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service are responsible for implementing the Endangered Species Act.
Critical Habitats are Designated
-
Once a species is listed as endangered, the federal government requires that a "critical habitat" be designated. These habitat areas are then managed to provide protection for the species.
-
Hunting, Transporting, and Trading are Restriced
-
When a species is added to the endangered or threatened list, it is protected in a number of ways. The protections prevent hunting, transporting, or trading (buying or selling) the species. It is illegal to "take" (this includes harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap capture, or collect) an endangered species. Threatened species are also usually protected in this same way. The penalties for violating the Endangered Species Act include fines of up to $50,000 and/or prison terms of up to one year.
Success Stories
-
The Endangered Species Act can be proud of some of its success stories. The Center for Biological Diversity reports that from 1963 to 2006, bald eagles increased from 416 to 9,789 pairs. From 1967 to 2006, the whooping crane increased from 54 to 513 birds. From 1968 to 1998, the gray whale increased from 13,095 to 26,635 whales. From 1975 to 2005 in the Yellowstone area, the grizzly bear increased from 224 to more than 500 bears. Because of the Endangered Species Act, the populations of hundreds of species - some of which were on the verge of extinction - have increased.
-
Resources
- Photo Credit Matthew Hull / Morgue File
