Definitions & Laws

The Endangered Species Act

"When Congress passed the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1973, it recognized that our rich natural heritage is of 'esthetic, ecological, educational, recreational, and scientific value to our Nation and its people.' It further expressed concern that many of our nation’s native plants and animals were in danger of becoming extinct.

The purpose of the ESA is to protect and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. It is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Commerce Department’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The FWS has primary responsibility for terrestrial and freshwater organisms, while the responsibilities of NMFS are mainly marine wildlife such as whales and anadromous fish such as salmon."

-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

What is "Rare," "Threatened" and "Endangered"?

The Natural Heritage Database includes rare Michigan plants and animals that meet federal and state definitions of endangered, or threatened species.

"Endangered" indicates the species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

"Threatened" indicates the species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.

The database also includes species designated as a "Candidate" or "Partial Status" under federal guidelines.

The Michigan designation of "Special Concern," indicates declining or relict species in the state. While not protected by law, these species need protection to prevent them from becoming Threatened or Endangered.

Those species designated as "Presumed Extirpated" are assumed to have been annihilated.

Federal and State Laws to Protect Specific Species

Michigan and Federal laws protect designated species. The laws specify governmental responsibility for conservation, protection, restoration, and propagation of endangered and threatened species, and form the basis for policies to guide public and private activities that have the potential to impact these species.

For more information, see:

• Endangered Species Act of the State of Michigan (Part 365 of PA451, 1994 Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
• Protection of "special concern" amphibians and reptiles by Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director's Order No. FO-224-13