Which entity administers the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) administers the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which was enacted in 1973 to protect species at risk of extinction and their habitats. The USFWS is responsible for the conservation of terrestrial and freshwater species, and it plays a vital role in listing species as endangered or threatened, designating critical habitat, and developing recovery plans for these species.

The agency works in coordination with other federal, state, tribal, and local partners to implement the provisions of the ESA. This includes enforcing regulations that protect endangered and threatened species from harm, habitat destruction, and ensuring compliance with recovery plans. The collaborative efforts led by USFWS are essential for the conservation of biodiversity in the United States.

In this context, the other entities listed, such as the National Park Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Agriculture, have different roles related to environmental protection and resource management but do not specifically administer the Endangered Species Act. Therefore, the USFWS stands out as the primary authority in charge of enforcing and implementing the provisions of the ESA.