How does the Service determine whether a species is endangered or threatened?
A7: The ESA defines endangered as in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range whereas threatened is defined as is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range Section 4(a)(1) of the ESA establishes that we determine whether a species is endangered or threatened based on one or more of the five following factors: The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; Over utilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes; Disease or predation; The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or Other natural or man-made factors affecting its continued existence. Section 4(a)(1) of the ESA also requires that our determination be made on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available.
A8: The Endangered Species Act defines endangered as in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range whereas threatened is defined as is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range Section 4(a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) establishes that we determine whether a species is endangered or threatened based on one or more of the five following factors:
