Who Decides what species are endangered or threatened?
In the United States, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decides which species are threatened and which are endangered through its Listing Program. The review process starts when someone—anyone—sends a petition to the Service. The petition asks the Service to see if there is evidence that the species is on the edge of extinction. A species will be classified as endangered if there is enough evidence. The decision is based on scientific evidence. The World Conservation Union has created the Red List of Threatened Species. The Red List is the most authoritative listing of endangered Species from around the world. Come look at the amazing photo gallery of mammals, plants, fungi, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds that are “red-listed” by the World Conservation Union.
