What is the Endangered Species Act and how does it apply?

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a vital law in the United States that aims to protect and conserve vulnerable plant and animal species and their ecosystems. It prohibits actions that may harm endangered or threatened species or the habitats crucial for their survival. The Act designates species as endangered if they face extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range, while threatened species are likely to become endangered in the future. Under the ESA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service are responsible for listing and protecting imperiled species. It also mandates the development and implementation of recovery plans to restore populations of endangered and threatened species. Private citizens, organizations, and government entities must comply with the ESA's provisions to safeguard vulnerable wildlife for future generations.