This activity will require you to take a close look at the 1973 Endangered Species Act (ESA), which establishes a program for conserving endangered and threatened species and their habitats. For a full copy of the law, see the EPA website.
The questions below must be answered and submitted on Moodle. All responses must be in your own words.
PART 1: Visit the National Wildlife Foundation website to answer the questions below regarding the ESA (http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Conservation/Understanding-Wildlife-Conservation/Endangered-Species-Act.aspx)
*Under the ESA, what three things does the federal government have a responsibility to protect?
The ESA has to protect endangered species - species that are likely to become extinct throughout all or a large portion of their range, threatened species - species that are likely to become endangered in the near future and critical habitat - vital to the survival of endangered or threatened species.
*What is the difference between “listed” and “candidate” species?
When a species is protected by the ESA, it’s a "listed" species but when the ESA is reviewing the species for a possible list member it is a “candidate” species.
*Who decides if an endangered species gets protection?
The US Fish and Wildlife Services is the group that oversees the list.
*What are some criticisms of the ESA? (Feel free to use your resources and search the web for an answer.)
Millions of dollars are spent on the often failed recovery efforts. Even after all the efforts the species are still diminishing. The main reason that the efforts are failing is because the efforts come too late and finding out whether a species is endangered takes field surveys and biological studies. It costs money and takes time.
PART 2: Visit the US Fish and Wildlife website and click on Minnesota to learn about