Endangered Species Act
"The Endangered Species Act is the strongest and most effective tool we have to repair the environmental harm that is causing a species to decline." - Norm Dicks
“Nothing is more priceless and more worthy of preservation than the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed with.” (Endangered Species Act ESA) Animals have been an essential factor of human development. They provide individuals with the two most important resources, which are food and clothing. There are approximately 2 million identified species in the world, 70% of the world’s species mainly located in: Australia, Brazil, China, Columbia, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mexico, Peru, and Zaire. (How Many Species are There?) Of these recognized species, almost 10,800 animals are either threatened or endangered. The United States government finally began to realize what was occurring with the increase in animal extinction, and approved an act on December 28, 1973 that would protect them. (Worldwide Endangered Animal List & Endangered Species Act: A History of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 Timeline) The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was a reform brought upon by the reaction of people and their desire to help save species threatened or imperiled.
The main cause of extinction is habitat destruction, introduction of foreign species, chemical pollution, and over exploitation.This act stated that it would “authorize the determination and listing of species as endangered and threatened… prohibit unauthorized possession and sale/transport of endangered species… use land and water conservation funds; authorize establishment of… adequate programs for endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; and… authorize the assessment of civil and criminal penalties for violating the Act or regulations.” (Culver) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Endangered Species Act of 1973) and the National Marine Fisheries Services (Endangered Species Act (ESA)) share responsibility of enforcing this act. (ESA Basics) In today’s society, there are many ways to contribute the promotion of saving species. The most common ways are by donating to existing organizations or educating the community on ways to prevent the extinction of animals.
The main cause of extinction is habitat destruction, introduction of foreign species, chemical pollution, and over exploitation.This act stated that it would “authorize the determination and listing of species as endangered and threatened… prohibit unauthorized possession and sale/transport of endangered species… use land and water conservation funds; authorize establishment of… adequate programs for endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; and… authorize the assessment of civil and criminal penalties for violating the Act or regulations.” (Culver) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Endangered Species Act of 1973) and the National Marine Fisheries Services (Endangered Species Act (ESA)) share responsibility of enforcing this act. (ESA Basics) In today’s society, there are many ways to contribute the promotion of saving species. The most common ways are by donating to existing organizations or educating the community on ways to prevent the extinction of animals.