May 18 is Endangered Species Day

Over 14 years after they were first reintroduced to the Southwest, there are still fewer than 60 Mexican gray wolves in the wild, making them one of North America’s most endangered animals, and the most endangered wolf in the world. Mexican wolf releases are desperately needed to strengthen the wild population’s genetics and increase their numbers.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the lead agency for the Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Program.  There are wolves in captive breeding facilities that are prime candidates for release into the wild, and yet it has been over 1,276 days since a new Mexican wolf has been released into the wild.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides for the conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animals and the habitats in which they are found. The law requires federal agencies, in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or the NOAA Fisheries Service, to ensure that actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat of such species. The law also prohibits any action that causes a “taking” of any listed species of endangered fish or wildlife.  Under the ESA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a responsibility for the recovery of the Mexican gray wolf, yet it has frozen new releases necessary for recovery for over three and half years.

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Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for people young and old to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species and everyday actions that people can take to help protect our nation’s disappearing wildlife and last remaining open space. Protecting America’s wildlife and plants today is a legacy we leave to our children and grandchildren, so that all Americans can experience the rich variety of native species that help to define our nation.

Started by the United States Senate, Endangered Species Day is the third Friday in May. Every year, thousands of people throughout the country celebrate Endangered Species Day at parks, wildlife refuges, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, libraries, schools and community centers.  “¦

The Endangered Species Act, and the protections it provides for our nation’s endangered fish, plants, and wildlife, has come under constant assault from both Congress and the Bush administration over the past few years.

A number of conservation organizations, along with Representative Dingell, an endangered species champion who helped write the original Endangered Species Act in 1973, have created an Endangered Species Act Legacy Pledge. Tens of thousands of concerned citizens have already pledged their support for a strong Endangered Species Act.

When various threats arise to the Endangered Species Act, in the form of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives or the Senate or negative administrative actions, the conservation community will be able to take the list of pledge supporters to Members of Congress and let them know that their constituents support strong protections for our nation’s endangered fish, plants and wildlife.