A primary goal of the Oklahoma Ecological Services (OES) Endangered Species Program is
to avoid the need to list species as threatened or endangered. Sixty species currently are
identified as species of concern, and another three are candidates for listing in
Oklahoma. By working with other agencies, organizations, and the private sector, OES
attempts to facilitate recovery of those species before they reach conditions that would
warrant listing.
Listing
OES is responsible for reviewing the status of species occurring in Oklahoma that may
warrant listing, and preparing proposed rules and listing documents for species to be
listed as Threatened or Endangered under authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(ESA).
Consultations
Under Section 7 of the ESA, it is the responsibility of all Federal agencies to
insure that their activities do not jeopardize the continued existence of federally-listed
or proposed species, or adversely modify or destroy habitat designated as critical to the
species' survival. Annually, the OES reviews over 1,000 potential Federal actions in
Oklahoma for their effect on listed or proposed species. In only one case in the history
of the ESA has a proposed project been found to jeopardize the continued existence of a
species.
Recovery
The goal in listing a species is to focus resources to effect its recovery and ultimate
de-listing. All "tools" provided by the ESA and other programs are used in
achieving this goal. Partnerships with other State and Federal agencies and private
organizations and individuals are essential. Cooperation with landowners is key in
Oklahoma where over 95 percent of the land is privately-owned.
