Why, when, and how are species removed from the list of endangered and threatened species?
The process of delisting a species may be started by a petition to delist the species, a 5-year review of the species’ status or a review of whether the goals for recovering the species, as outlined in the species’ recovery plan, have been achieved. The Service assesses the species’ status in light of the best available information on population distribution, numbers and trends; seeks advice from a variety of species experts and considers whether any new information indicates that the species no longer warrants listing or, as in the case of the Idaho springsnail, is no longer considered a listable entity, as defined by the Endangered Species Act. The Service first proposes delisting in the Federal Register and then seek the opinion of independent species experts, other federal agencies, state biologists, and the public. After analyzing the comments and information received on the proposal, the Service decides whether to complete the proposed action or maintain the species status as it
