Endangered and Threatened Species of North Dakota
Endangered or threatened? Which is it? You've probably heard or read about endangered or threatened species before. But what do these terms really mean? And how did these classifications get started? In 1973 Congress passed the Endangered Species Act which protects wildlife species that are facing extinction. If a species population was in a dramatic decline throughout its breeding and nesting range, a classification of endangered or threatened was given. Federal agencies like U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assumed the responsibility of protecting these wildlife species. The descriptions for each classification is explained below.
Endangered: Any species that is in danger of becoming extinct (gone forever).
Threatened: Any species that is likely to become endangered in the future.
Extinct: Species that no longer exist; gone forever.
North Dakota has a list of 10 Endangered and Threatened Species that are protected under the Endangered Species Act. If you'd like to learn more about the endangered and threatened species of North Dakota, click on the highlighted words below.
Mammals:
Birds
Fish
Plants
