From the FWS

On May 21, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and several conservation organizations will observe Endangered Species Day to recognize the conservation programs underway nationwide aimed at protecting America’s threatened and endangered species.  

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) has helped to prevent the extinction of hundreds of species. Co-administered by the Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the purpose of the ESA is to conserve imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.

“The Endangered Species Act is the nation’s premier law protecting biodiversity today,” said Acting Service Director Rowan Gould. “The bald eagle, American alligator and gray wolf are all species which once found themselves on the list, facing the brink of extinction, but have successfully rebounded. The wood stork, Kirtland’s warbler, Louisiana black bear and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle are still listed species that are showing good progress towards achieving recovery – the ultimate goal of the ESA. These species and many others continue to benefit from the protections afforded by the ESA and the dedicated people who work through the Act to ensure their continued existence.”  

The Service works with other Federal agencies, state, local, and tribal governments, environmental organizations, industry groups, academia, the scientific community, and members of the public to help conserve our nation’s threatened and endangered fish, wildlife, and plants.

Endangered Species Day honors this national commitment to recovering endangered species and their habitats and provides an opportunity to learn about what efforts are being made to conserve them.

There are currently 1,324 species listed in the U.S.: 750 plants and 574 animals. A list of local endangered species can be found at www.fws.gov/endangered.

The Service and the Endangered Species Coalition are also cosponsoring four signature events around the country to focus public support on rare and imperiled species. Events will be held in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Maine and Montana. In addition, many of the Service’s field and regional offices will be hosting events in their communities and providing unique programs to visitors on endangered species conservation.