An “endangered” species is one that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a large portion of its home range. A “threatened” species is one that is likely to become endangered in the near future.  Once a species is placed on the Federal List of endangered and protected animal and plant species with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the species can receive protection under the Endangered Species Act.

All species of plants and animals, except pest insects, are eligible for the endangered or threatened list. As of August 31, 2002, 1,818 species are listed, with 1,260 being U.S. species. Groups with the most listed species, in order, are plants, mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and clams/mussels.

The purpose of the Endangered Species Act is to protect and conserve these endangered and threatened species and the habitats that are essential to their survival. This means it is illegal to harrass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or attempt to engage in any such conduct with a listed species. The Fish and Wildlife Service in the Department of the Interior and the NOAA Fisheries Service in the Department of Commerce share responsibility for administration of the Endangered Species Act, which was passed in 1973 and has been amended several times, the most recent being in 1988.

In addition to the Federal laws stated in the Endangered Species Act, states are required to create conservation programs for resident endangered and threatened species. The ultimate goal of the Endangered Species Act is to protect the listed species and allow them to proliferate so that they no longer need protection. The law provides recovery plans describing steps on how to rehabilitate habitats and restore the species health.