VIII. The Endangered Species Act

A. Definition 1. Passed in 1973, the ESA prohibited the government or citizens from taking actions that harm endangered species or their habitats 2. Three main parts: a. Lists of species must be created and monitored b. Laws must be enacted to prevent further losses

c. Programs must be developed to remove species from the list 3. Several big name species have managed to recover a. However, many species have met governmental and citizen opposition b. Led to further loss of species as land owners what to hide evidence of endangered species

B. Recovery Plans 1. Previously discussed parks and preserves play a major role 2. Many programs center on captive breeding and reintroduction a. Showing success with birds b. Mammals like bears and wolves offer more controversy

3. Cloning is a new relatively underused idea 4. Umbrella species are well known and loved species that, when protected, protect many lesser known species

C. International Treaties 1. Many endangered species are found in nations with less stringent laws 2. UN has provided the world with 2 acts for protection a. CITES- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species b. Convention on Biological Diversity