The following is information about the Endangered Species Act and what it means on both the Federal and State levels.

The Endangered Species Act was originally passed in 1973. It has since been reformed several times, mainly during 1982 and 1988. The original act can be seen in most of its entirety at the Fish & Wildlife Service web site. The act prohibits the taking of any endangered animal within the United States. It also prohibits the transportation or import/export of endangered species. Violators can be charged up to $100,000 and imprisoned for a year. Institutions are liable for up to $200,000. Anything used for breaking the law is liable for forfeiture. It also prevents habitat alteration due to construction where endangered species are located. These laws also apply to threatened animals. Check out the definition of terms to find out the difference between threatened and endangered animals. A moratorium was temporarily placed on the Endangered Species Act in 1995. This meant that no new animals could be listed and no designation of critical habitat could be made. The moratorium was lifted shortly after that and the California Red-Legged Frog became the first animal to be added to the list since the lifting of the moratorium.

In California the state Endangered Species Act was passed in 1970. This allowed for listing of endangered animals in California.

In Texas the state Endangered Species Act was passed in the 70's also.

NOTE: Several of the animals on our site are strictly endangered in their state. Others are only federally endangered. Many are both state and federally listed. But no matter where they are listed they all need our help.