1. Endangered Species

2. Definition –
Endangered – In danger of extinction throughout all or most of their natural habitat.

3. Definitions
Threatened – Likely to become endangered in the near future.

4. Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Passed in 1973
Protects all types of species (plant, animal, etc.)
Requires states to maintain listings of threatened/endangered species
Prevents federal agencies from funding or permitting any action that would harm a listed species or its habitat.
Requires agencies to consult biologists on any action that “may affect” listed species.
Penalties for violations

5. Important Changes to the ESA
1982 – Economic impact was not allowed to be considered when deciding whether to list a species.
1988 – States had to give accounts of how federal dollars were spent.
2004 – Department of Defense is not required to follow habitat protection rules as long as there is a plan for reducing impact in place.