Endangered Species

USFWS Listed Species

Through the Listing Program, the Service determines whether to add a species and its critical habitat to the Federal lists of endangered and threatened wildlife and plants. Once listed, a species and its critical habitat are afforded the full range of protections available under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) including prohibitions on harm or killing (taking) an animal species.

Click here for a complete list of all USFWS Listed Species.

The Service has developed a priority system designed to direct its efforts toward the plants and animals in greatest need of protection. The magnitude of the threat is the most important consideration, followed by the immediacy of the threat and the taxonomic distinctiveness of the species. In some instances, species listing can be precluded by the development of Candidate Conservation Agreements which may remove threats facing the species. See the Candidate Conservation page for more information.