Celebrating 50 Years of the Endangered Species Act: A Look at the Successes and Challenges Ahead

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, a landmark law that has helped protect thousands of species in the United States from extinction. Since its passage, more than 1,700 plants, mammals, fish, insects and other species have been listed as threatened or endangered.

The U.S. government spends roughly $1.2 billion each year on endangered and threatened species, with about half of that money going toward the recovery of two types of fish: salmon and steelhead trout along the West Coast. This has left many other species neglected, as they remain on the brink of extinction.

Tens of millions of dollars are also spent on other widely known animals, such as manatees, right whales, grizzly bears and spotted owls. However, the lack of resources for other species has been a major concern for conservationists.

“We’re seeing a lot of species that are not getting the attention they need,” said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The Endangered Species Act is a powerful tool, but it’s not enough to just pass a law. We need to make sure there’s enough money to implement it.”

The Endangered Species Act has been a major success in protecting species from extinction, but there is still much work to be done. Conservationists are calling for increased funding and resources to ensure that all species are given the attention they need to survive.