Permits for native species under the Endangered Species Act

Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is designed to regulate a wide range of activities that affect endangered and threatened plants and animals and the habitats upon which they depend. Unless specifically allowed by permit, the ESA prohibits activities that affect listed species and their habitats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) may issue permits for purposes consistent with the conservation of the species.