Geography and Recovery under the U.S. Endangered Species Act

摘要: The U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) defines an endangered species as one "at risk of extinction throughout all or a significant portion its range." prevailing interpretation this phrase, which focuses exclusively on the overall viability listed without regard to their geographic distribution, has led development listing and recovery criteria with fundamental conceptual, legal, practical shortcomings. ESA's concept endangerment is broader than biological in that "esthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, scientific" values provided by are not necessarily furthered mere existence, but rather presence across much former range. "significant range" thus implies additional component may enhance viability, also offers independent benefits Congress intended act achieve. Although ESA differs from other major endangered-species protection laws because it acknowledges distinct contribution geography recovery, resembles "representation, resiliency, redundancy" conservation-planning framework commonly referenced plans. To address representation, standards should consider only what proportion range inhabits, types habitats occupies ecological role plays there. Recovery planning for formerly widely distributed (e.g., gray wolf [Canis lupus]) exemplifies how implicit definition be considered determining goals through identification ecologically niche variation within extent species, subspecies, "distinct population segments." By linking ecosystem concepts, type scientific promotes more coherent dialogue concerning societal decisions surrounding species.