Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is it important to conserve endangered species?

A.

• The deterioration of species and habitats is a warning sign of a deteriorating environment for all life. A healthy environment provides for a healthy human population, and sustains a healthy economy.
• The nation’s economy benefits greatly from the billions spent annually on wildlife-related recreation. Healthy populations of fish and wildlife contribute to our economy and our quality of life. According to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 77 million Americans participated in recreational activities in 1996, spending over $100 billion on their activities.
• Each living organism contains a unique reservoir of genetic material. This genetic material cannot be retrieved or duplicated if lost and may hold unknown economic benefits for humankind in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Wild species are a source for most of our curative drugs. For example, in 1993, more than half of the nation’s most prescribed drugs were derived from plants, animals, and microbes.
• Living organisms generate the air we breathe, clean the water we drink, and recycle nutrients in the soil to help grow the plants we eat. Wouldn’t we want them to be healthy?
• Stewardship for the land and wildlife is part of American tradition. Protecting endangered species saves a part of America’s natural legacy that we will leave for future generations to enjoy.

Q. What is the difference between an “endangered species” and a “threatened species”?

A. The federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) defines an “endangered species” as “any species, which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range,” other than certain insect pests. A “threatened species” is defined as “any species, which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.”

Q. Why do species become endangered?

A. The primary threat to the continued existence of most federally-listed species is loss or degradation of habitat. For example, of the 13 federally-listed species under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) occurring in New Jersey, 11 live or feed in wetlands. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 39% of New Jersey’s wetlands were lost between the 1780s and the 1980s. Wetland losses have slowed in recent years because of new efforts to conserve these areas. However, impacts from upland development still threaten many wetland habitats with increased sedimentation, hydrologic changes, and pollution.

The introduction of exotic species of plants and animals can also threaten the survival of native species and alter the complex interactions of others. Many of these exotic species thrive because they have no natural enemies in their new environments and are therefore able to outcompete native species.

Other significant threats to listed species include collection, disturbance from vehicle or foot traffic, litter and pollution, and vegetation succession. Historically, human overexploitation of species for food, clothing, shelter, and sport have all led to habitat destruction and species decline.

Q. What is a “recovery plan”?

A. A “recovery plan” is a planning document that outlines a strategy to prevent a species from becoming extinct. The plan is prepared by the USFWS for each listed species, in cooperation with other agencies, organizations, and experts on the particular plant or animal. Recovery Plans include a full discussion of the species biology, an analysis of threats to the species continued existence, and an outline, timeline, and cost estimate of tasks necessary for the species recovery.

Q. What are “candidate species”?

A. “Candidate species” are species that appear to warrant consideration for addition to the federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. They are sometimes refered to as “species of special concern.” Although these species receive no substantive or procedural protection under the ESA, it is recommended that government agencies and other planners give consideration to these species in the environmental planning process. Keeping a formal list of candidate species makes agencies and others aware of the concern for a particular species, and may help prevent the need for future listing.

Q. What are “proposed species”?

A. “Proposed species” are plants or animals that have been officially proposed in the Federal Register for addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, but have not yet been officially added to the list. Proposed species receive some of the same protections as threatened and endangered species under the ESA. The listing process can often be quite lengthy.

Q. What is “critical habitat”?

A. “Critical habitat” means the specific geographic areas essential to the conservation of a listed species. These areas may require special management considerations or protection. Critical habitat for a particular species is designated by federal regulation at the time a species is added to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. If the USFWS determines that designation of critical habitat would not be prudent for a particular species, it may elect not to designate critical habitat. For example, designation of critical habitat may not be prudent for a species that is threatened by illegal collection.

Q. What can I do to help conserve endangered species?

A.

• Respect and work to conserve native species and their habitats.
• Respect wildlife laws and regulations. Do not collect wild plants or animals, or keep wildlife as pets. Obey rules posted in natural areas, and do not enter areas closed or restricted for the protection of wildlife.
• Improve habitat on your property.
• Keep cats indoors. Cats can have a significant impact on populations of birds and other wildlife.
• Reduce pollution. Environmental contaminants are a threat to many species. Avoid using polluting household chemicals, especially pesticides and lawn fertilizers. Properly dispose of all chemicals, including used oils and paints – never down the sink or storm drain. Conserve energy around the house, and by driving less. If you have a septic system, make sure it is properly maintained.
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize your trash generation. Land devoted to landfills does not provide wildlife habitat.
• Do not litter. Trash degrades habitats, and washes into marine and other aquatic environments where it can harm fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and other species.
• Support open space preservation, enforcement of wetland protection laws, and your local National Wildlife Refuge.
• Volunteer for a local environmental group.

The State Environmental Resource Center (SERC) would like to thank the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Jersey Field Office for much of the above information.