The ESA process for listing a species as endangered or threatened involves a rigorous scientific assessment of the species' status and threats it faces. The USFWS and NMFS consider factors such as population size, distribution, habitat loss, and other threats to determine whether a species meets the criteria for listing under the ESA.
While the ESA does not specifically require the USFWS and NMFS to make predictions about which species may become endangered in the next five years, both agencies conduct ongoing assessments of the status of species and monitor threats to their survival. This information is used to prioritize conservation efforts and identify species that may be in need of additional protection.
It's important to note that predicting which species may become endangered in the future is a complex task and subject to uncertainty. Many factors can influence a species' risk of extinction, and it is not always possible to accurately predict how populations will respond to changing conditions. However, the ESA process provides a framework for identifying and protecting species that are at risk of extinction, regardless of whether they are currently considered endangered or threatened.