Endangered Species Act

Definition

The Endangered Species Act is a U.S. law passed in 1973 aimed at protecting species threatened with extinction and preserving the ecosystems upon which they depend.

Related terms

Habitat Conservation Plan: A plan developed by landowners intending to ensure survival of endangered or threatened species while land use activities occur.

Critical Habitat: An area essential for conservation of a listed species which may require special management considerations or protection.

Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.