What Agencies Are Responsible for Resolving an Endangered Species?

Government Agencies

• Agencies within the U.S. government share responsibility for helping endangered species. The Endangered Species Act and the Endangered Species Program that documents and lists species as endangered is administered by the U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service. It works to preserve habitat and ensure the survival of threatened species, but it is not alone. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a pesticide program that requires that the use of any pesticide be checked against any potential risk to endangered species in the area before use is approved.

Charities

• Many large, charitable organizations do very valuable work towards preserving and expanding the populations of endangered species. The largest of these is the World Wildlife Federation. The WWF works on a global scale to protect habitats of creatures across the globe. It works with governments and scientists to ensure the best possible approaches to species and environment conservation are employed around the planet. Other examples of organizations of this type include Ducks Unlimited.

Academic Programs

• Academic programs exist that provide students with an education that focuses on areas of conservation and the preservation of endangered species. These programs often have their own awareness initiatives being carried out to promote responsible resource use and species conservation. The programs train people to work with governmental or non-profit organizations in conservationist roles. Examples include a degree in Wildlife, Fish &Conservation Biology available from UC Davis or the Masters of Science in Wildlife Management and Conservation available from the University of Reading.

Zoos

• Some zoos are publicly owned, but others are privately owned institutions. While it is true that a privately owned zoo has profit on its list of goals, zoos almost always work towards conservation efforts as well. Zoos work together with other zoos and scientists not only to preserve endangered animals, but also to try and restore endangered species through breeding programs. The goal of breeding programs established by zoos is to eventually raise enough animals to reintroduce endangered species to their natural habitat.