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Our History
Pre ESA
San Joaquin kit fox
Pre ESA
The San Joaquin kit fox was among the first species to gain federal protection under the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966. More »
1970s
Higgins eye pearlymussel
1970s
The Higgins eye pearlymussel was among the first invertebrates to gain Endangered Species Act protection in 1976. More »
1980s
Black-footed ferret
1980s
A ranch dog retrieves a black-footed ferret – presumed extinct – in 1981 near Meeteetse, Wyoming. More »
1990s
California condor
1990s
The California condor is reintroduced back into the wild in southern California after its removal from the wild in 1988. More »
2000s
Bald eagle
2000s
After nearly disappearing from most of the U.S., the bald eagle recovers and is removed from ESA protection in 2007. More »
2010s
Chiricahua leopard frog
2010s
In August 2011, the 10,000th captive-bred Chiricauha leopard frog is released into the wild. More »
In 1982, New Jersey's only remaining bald eagle nest failed for the sixth consecutive year. Every year, the eagle eggs at the Bear Swamp nest were just too thin to withstand normal incubation—a result of residual contamination ... More
The relict leopard frog was believed to be extinct until three populations were discovered during the early 1990s. While the rare frog has not been found in Utah since 1950, it is at home in freshwater springs in Nevada and Arizona. More
A Missouri resident, the Ozark hellbender is the largest species of salamander native to North America. These salamanders are perfectly adapted to their stream habitats with their flattened head and body, short stout legs, long rudder-like tail, and very small, beady eyes... More
Each New Year promises fresh challenges, opportunities, and – with some fortune – conservation triumphs that bring hope for even greater years to follow. As we enter the ruby anniversary year of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), we remember the trials that tested its declaration to protect imperiled species, no matter their perceived value. More »
Know Your Species
Media Kit/Resources
A collection of resources to help journalists build their story, coloring pages for children to learn about endangered species across the country, and other tools to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. More »
This Day In History
May 1, 1991: The first litter of red wolf pups is born to a wild-born female wolf in North Carolina.
ESA 101 video
In 1972, President Nixon declared that conservation efforts in the United States aimed toward preventing the extinction of species were inadequate and called on the 93rd Congress to develop comprehensive endangered species legislation. Congress responded, and on December 28th, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 was signed into law.This video provides an overview of the Endangered Species Act.
Last updated:
May 1, 2013
