According to the Center for Biological Diversity, a recent study that was put out in this month’s issue of Conservation Letters, an international journal, shows that 531 threatened species lack protection under the Endangered Species Act. These animals are officially classified as “imperiled” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, an agency that is the leading global authority on determining the conservation status of animals. The study recognized 18 mammals, 25 birds, 44 amphibians, and 444 invertebrates that are believed to be at-risk according to the organization, and may require protection under the Endangered Species Act.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service notes that the Endangered Species act was amended and approved on December 28, 1973. This valuable piece of legislation was created to better ensure the preservation of ecosystems that imperiled species of plants and animals depend on for survival. Bert Harris, who is the head author and person responsible for the recent study states that “The Endangered Species Act is the worlds’ most effective law for saving species, but it can only work if species are protected as threatened and endangered”. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, most of the animals that were discovered during the study have been under deliberation for safeguarding for several years, but unfortunately, they got lost in an accumulation of animals requiring shielding at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Center notes that most of the animals should receive protection within the next five years. However, the study still calls for additional funding for the Endangered Species Act and accelerated protection procedures.

As a supporter of wildlife conservation, this news disappoints me. At-risk animals deserve more than just getting caught up in a backlog of bureaucracy. They need our protection to ensure the stability of our ecosystems for future generations. I urge fellow wildlife supporters to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Department of Congressional and Legislative Affairs in their region and demand expedited protection processes for those species that remain unprotected http://www.fws.gov/laws/Contact.html. In addition, right-wing members of congress are attempting to dismantle the Endangered Species Act while a global special interest group is trying to legally put a halt on a government promise to guard over 700 at-risk plants and animals. The Endangered Species Act needs our support! The best way to help with this effort is to take action now with the Center for Biological Diversity and counter any political attacks on this vital piece of legislation https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=7972&track=E1110_HOME.

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