What Is the Meaning of Endangered Animals?

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the organization responsible for recording animal populations and determining what animals are facing extinction. An animal is not considered endangered until the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service places them on the list.

Threatened Species

• Before an animal is considered endangered, it is usually listed as threatened. A threatened species means that population levels are dwindling and the animal may face extinction if measures aren't taken to prevent further loss.

Protection and Repopulation

• Endangered species are protected. This means that it is illegal to kill, harm or harass an endangered species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Organization are both tasked with the responsibility of enforcing the laws protecting endangered species as well designing plans to repopulate the species.

Why are Animals Endangered

• Animals become endangered for a number of reasons, but the most common is overhunting or fishing. Environmental effects also come into play such as roads, housing and managed land for farming. The introduction of foreign species that compete with local species for resources also plays a part.

Recovery

• Endangered animals face extinction if they are not protected. Some species may have been decimated to the point that recovery is not possible. Some may have already become extinct, but others have shown a remarkable ability to recover, such as the humpback whale and the gray wolf.