Over 1,600 plant and animal species in the United States are listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Republican President Richard Nixon in 1973 signed the Endangered Species Act, aimed at protecting rare wildlife with the goal of preventing extinction.
The law is credited with saving upwards of 99% of endangered species from extinction. Interpretation of the ESA has been mostly the same between both Democratic and Republican presidents.
However, a rule change implemented by the Trump administration could cause more challenges for species already fighting for survival.
Species like the Northern Spotted Owl, found in Northern California
Our editorial team includes several staff writers, each contributing their specialized knowledge to enhance the depth and breadth of our event and story coverage.