Fish and Wildlife Service says nine species do not need federal protection

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that it will not list nine specific plants and animals as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The agency reviewed the best available scientific and commercial data and concluded that these species are not currently at risk of extinction or significant decline.

Why it matters: This is a routine administrative action. Its practical significance is that it closes the current review cycle for these nine species, allowing them to remain outside the strict habitat and take prohibitions of the Endangered Species Act. For most people, this confirms that these specific local populations are currently healthy. It does not change laws or funding, but it does set the baseline for how the agency treats these species until new evidence emerges.

Who it affects

• Researchers and conservation groups tracking these specific species

---

This action was taken by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and published in the Federal Register; readers should check the original document for the specific scientific criteria used to make these determinations.

Agency: Interior Department, Fish and Wildlife Service
Source: Federal Register — read the official document