What is the Endangered Species Act designed to do?

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a key piece of environmental legislation aimed primarily at protecting wildlife and plants that are at risk of extinction. The act was established to ensure that the protection of threatened and endangered species takes precedence over economic considerations. This means that when species are identified as threatened or endangered, federal agencies are required to take actions to protect their habitats and promote their recovery, even if it conflicts with economic development or land use interests.

The focus on prioritizing species conservation is crucial to prevent the extinction of these species and maintain biodiversity. The Act also provides a framework for designating critical habitats that are essential for the survival of these species and outlines measures for the recovery of populations to ensure their long-term survival. Thus, the correct answer encompasses the central goal of the ESA, which is to identify and protect species at risk, ensuring their preservation in the face of potential threats from human activities and environmental changes.