"Threatened" means a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides a program for the conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animals and the habitats in which they are found. The lead federal agencies for implementing ESA are the U.S. 2. The US Endangered Species Act (ESA) is our nation’s most effective law to protect at-risk species from extinction, with a stellar success rate: 99% of species listed on it have avoided extinction. Signed into law in 1973, following public outcry over the decline of animals like the bald eagle, the act … In 1973, after a series of amendments, this original framework expanded and evolved into the Endangered Species Act. Species must be endangered or threatened throughout a significant portion of their range. Once a species becomes listed as "endangered" or "threatened," it receives special protections by the federal government. The Act’s effectiveness rests on clear, consistent and efficient implementation,” said Secretary Bernhardt. A species can be listed as endangered at the state, federal, and international level. “The best way to uphold the Endangered Species Act is to do everything we can to ensure it remains effective in achieving its ultimate goal—recovery of our rarest species. Animals are protected from "take" and being traded or sold. Endangered Species Act, U.S. federal law passed in 1973 that obligates federal and state governments to protect all species threatened with extinction that fall within the borders of the United States and its outlying territories. It also bars the unauthorized harvest, custody, trade, and transport of endangered plants , animals , and other at-risk organisms and allows for the application of civil and criminal penalties upon those who violate this law. The federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) (16 U.S.C.A. The act is credited with the recovery of a number of prominent species. The Endangered Species Act: A Wild Success. Frequently referred to as the "crown jewel" of our nation's environmental laws, the ESA has been responsible for saving many species formerly on the brink of extinction, including the bald Endangered Species Act. The Endangered Species Act is one of America’s most effective and important environmental laws (Success Stories). Its purpose is to prevent the extinction of our most at-risk plants and animals, increase their numbers and effect their full recovery — and eventually their removal from the endangered list. Ultimately, details matter more than rhetoric. "Endangered" means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The Endangered Species Act allows authorities to determine whether a given species qualifies for endangered or threatened status. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) provides for both the conservation and protection of plant and animal species that face the threat of extinction as well as for "the ecosystems upon which they depend." It represents a commitment by the American people to work together to protect and restore those species most at risk of disappearing forever. The Endangered Species Act, however, does have legal force in the U.S. The Endangered Species Act is the strongest law for protecting biodiversity passed by any nation. The Endangered Species Act provides added benefits to people by maintaining healthy natural systems that provide us with clean air and water, food, medicines and other products that we all need to live healthy lives. All species of plants and animals, except pest insects, are eligible for listing as endangered or threatened. The Endangered Species Act is a popular and important law, so it’s no surprise that changes to its implementation evoke strong feelings and rhetoric.