what is an endangered species

An endangered species is a type of organism that is at risk of extinction in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction. There are many reasons why a species may become endangered, including habitat loss, poaching, invasive species, and loss of genetic variation. When a species is classified as endangered, governments and international organizations can work to protect it. Laws may limit hunting and destruction of habitats, and recovery plans may be developed to stop or reverse the species population decline. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List lists the global conservation status of many species, and various other agencies assess the status of species within particular areas. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a federal law enacted by Congress in 1973 that protects endangered and threatened species and their habitats in the United States. The ESA has proven to be effective in stabilizing populations of species at risk, preventing the extinction of many others, and conserving the habitats upon which they depend.