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Endangered Species Act Policies and Regulations
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service share responsibility for administration of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have issued internal guidance and national policies to promote efficiency and nationwide consistency in implementing the ESA to conserve and recover listed species of plants and animals native to the United States and its territories.

Below you will find links to summaries of our major policies, sorted by the associated section of the ESA.
6 items
Mojave Desert Tortoise
Habitat Conservation Planning Handbook
Drawing on over 30 years of experiences, remarkable successes, and valuable lessons learned, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (hereafter “Services”) are pleased to share with you this revised Habitat Conservation Planning Handbook. The revised handbook is the culmination of hard work and dedication by Services staff. It reflects our common commitment to actively advance the congressional findings, purpose, and policies of the Endangered Species Act, including providing a means to foster relationships with public and private partners, reduce conflicts between listed species and economic activities, and promote long-term conservation of listed species and the ecosystems on which they depend.
3 items