How to Classify Endangered Animals
In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was passed in order to protect threatened or endangered plant and animal species and their ecosystems. The process of listing a species for protection with the Endangered Species Act is lengthy and involved. A proposed species is first listed on the Federal Register where citizens may comment on its proposed protection. Citizens may also submit petitions that support the consideration of a species for protection. Before the species is seriously considered for listing, its habitat, population and distribution must be carefully studied to determine whether it faces the threat of extinction. These findings will also be used to decide whether a species is classified as threatened or endangered by taking the following steps into account.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine whether the species faces immediate threat. Wildlife biologists and ecologists observe the species to see if there is a current or future threat to its habitat. This include alterations in the species' range that could affect feeding and reproduction.
-
2
Study the impact of commercial, educational, recreational and scientific use of the species. If the species is determined to be over-utilized by these factors, it can be classified as endangered and listed for protection.
-
-
3
Determine whether there are factors that threaten the species' survival. These factors include natural and human-caused threats. For example, a wildfire that destroys most of the population of an isolated plant species could qualify that species for protection.
-
4
Measure the population for excessive loss due to disease or predation. Over-predation or disease can quickly reduce a species' population and genetic diversity, threatening the continuation of its existence.
-
5
Determine whether the species lacks regulatory mechanisms. Regulatory mechanisms includes permits for hunting or the number of human takes of a specific species.
-
6
Measure the degree of threat to the species' survival. This is the final determining factor for classifying an endangered species. When a species is in imminent danger of extinction without protection, it is classified as endangered.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The endangered species act generally includes distinct populations as well as subspecies when using the term 'species.'
The process of listing and classifying a species with the Endangered Species Act can take a year or more.
The act of killing, removing and selling or trading endangered species or their parts can result in serious fines.
