Today is Endangered Species Day.
Let’s learn more about endangered and threatened species and what we can do to help them.
Background
In the US, the Endangered Species Act (1973) was passed to protect at-risk species and help them, and the ecosystems they depend on, recover. The US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service administer the Endangered Species Act.
Endangered vs. Threatened
Under the Endangered Species Act, “endangered” means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. “Threatened” means a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.
Scientists in other organizations, like the Forest Service, also conduct research on endangered and threatened species. We’ve covered a lot of their research over the years, so here are a few highlighted species to get you started.
Northern Spotted Owls and Mexican Spotted Owls: Threatened
Two species of spotted owl—northern spotted owls and Mexican spotted owls—are designated as threatened species because of habitat loss and fragmentation and, for northern spotted owls, competition from barred owls that have moved into their territories.
Check out these free Natural Inquirer resources about research on spotted owls:
You can also learn more about spotted owls at https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/spotted_owl.
North American Wolverines: Threatened
North American wolverines live in cold climates, preferring at least five feet of snow in which to build their dens to raise their young. Wolverines need large ranges to look for food, and they tend to avoid humans. Climate change has reduced the amount and duration of snow in their habitats, and human development has further fragmented wolverine habitat. These developments led to their listing as threatened.
Check out these free Natural Inquirer resources about research on wolverines:
You can learn more about wolverines at https://www.fws.gov/species/north-american-wolverine-gulo-gulo-luscus.
Red-cockaded Woodpeckers: Endangered
The red-cockaded woodpecker is a habitat specialist, preferring open forests of old-growth longleaf pine in the southeastern US. They will also live in other kinds of pine forests if they are old-growth and have a mostly clear understory. Much of this habitat was eliminated by logging and other development, so the red-cockaded woodpecker was listed as endangered back in 1970.
Check out these free Natural Inquirer resources about the research on red-cockaded woodpeckers:
You can learn more about red-cockaded woodpeckers at https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-cockaded_Woodpecker.
Gopher Tortoises: Threatened
Longleaf pine forests are also preferred habitats of the gopher tortoise, a species designated as threatened. Learn about both red-cockaded woodpeckers and gopher tortoises in Knock on Wood.
Rio Grande Silvery Minnow: Endangered
The Rio Grande silvery minnow is a small fish that was once plentiful in the Rio Grande basin, from Colorado to Texas and into Mexico. The minnow now occupies only a small section of the Middle Rio Grande in New Mexico and attempts have been made to reintroduce the species to sections of the river in Texas.
The species was listed as endangered in 1994 due to changes in the Rio Grande (dam construction, water diversion, etc.) and water pollution.
Check out some research on efforts to repopulate areas with the Rio Grande silvery minnow:
You can learn more about the Rio Grande silvery minnow at https://www.fws.gov/species/rio-grande-silvery-minnow-hybognathus-amarus.
Story Map: Threatened & Endangered Species at Endangered Species Act's 50th
The USDA Forest Service created a story map in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. Learn more about highlighted species of plants, insects, and animals and what’s being done to protect these species from extinction.
- Read about laws and policies to protect species
- Browse list of highlighted species
- Learn about tracking technology
- Explore regional efforts and other resources