What is the Endangered Species Act?

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a federal law that was passed in 1973 to protect species that are in danger of becoming extinct. It provides a strategy for the conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animals and the habitats which they depend on for survival. In South Carolina, the ESA applies to the Coosa River, Santee River, Savannah River, and other public waters and wetlands. The ESA requires the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to list species as endangered or threatened based on scientific, biological, and other data. Species listed as endangered are considered to be at risk of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range. Species listed as threatened are normally considered to be at risk of becoming endangered in the near future. The ESA also provides legal protection for listed species. This includes restrictions on taking, possessing, transporting, selling, and importing listed species. It also requires the FWS to develop and implement recovery plans for species listed as threatened or endangered. Recovery plans outline the steps needed to restore the species to healthy numbers and allow them to eventually be taken off the endangered species list. In South Carolina, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) takes the lead role in managing the recovery of endangered species. They work with local stakeholders, federal and state agencies, and non-profits to conduct research, provide habitat protection, and engage with the public. The DNR also helps to educate the public about threatened and endangered species, and what people can do to help protect them.

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What is the Endangered Species Act?

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