Endangered Species Act of 1973
Enacted 1973
Provides for the conservation of species at risk of extinction and the ecosystems upon which they depend, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries.
Key Metrics
Species Listed
1,683
FWS ECOS Database
Extinction Prevention Rate
99%
FWS Recovery Reports
Critical Habitat (Acres)
120M
FWS
Section 7 Consultations (Annual)
90,000
FWS Annual Report
Economic Impact
The ESA has generated an estimated $1.6 trillion in ecosystem services value through habitat protection. Critical habitat designations cover approximately 120 million acres. The Act has influenced billions in development decisions through Section 7 consultations and habitat conservation plans. Ecotourism around recovered species generates approximately $30 billion annually.
Social Impact
The ESA has prevented the extinction of 99% of listed species. Iconic recoveries include the bald eagle, gray wolf, American alligator, and humpback whale. Currently 1,683 species are listed as endangered or threatened. The Act has become one of the most contentious environmental laws, with conflicts between species protection and economic development recurring in timber, agriculture, and energy sectors.
Enforcement Statistics
FWS and NOAA conduct approximately 90,000 Section 7 consultations annually. Only 1-2% of consultations result in jeopardy findings. Over 1,200 habitat conservation plans cover 50 million acres. Criminal enforcement for illegal take has resulted in significant fines and imprisonment.
Key Findings
- 1.99% of listed species have avoided extinction under ESA protections
- 2.Only 2% of Section 7 consultations result in project-blocking jeopardy findings
- 3.Bald eagle recovery from 417 to 71,400+ nesting pairs is the most cited success story
- 4.Climate change is creating new listing pressures for species affected by habitat shifts