Dr. Conservation
Speak Up for Endangered Species

Dear Dr. Conservation:

It occurs to me that I have heard the term “endangered species”, and I think I could even name a few that I’ve read about like the bald eagle, Florida panther and some river mussels. But how does an animal get labeled “endangered?” Who makes that decision? I am concerned about some species and I think they should be called “endangered,” but I need more information about how to pass on my ideas. For example, the whip-poor-will is a loud and obvious night-singing bird, and I think it is endangered because I never hear it at my summer cottage in Mercer County. Do you know who to call or write?
Sincerely,
Chad

Dear Chad,

First let me explain that although the whip-poor-will is rare or nonexistent in some parts of Pennsylvania, in general it appears to be holding its own in other areas. In fact your observation is right. The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pennsylvania (Brauning ed. 1992) published the results of a 5-year inventory of nesting birds across the state and no whip-poor-wills were found in Mercer County, although this night-time insect eater was found in more than 800 other spots, mostly in the south central mountains.

The breeding bird atlas is an example of the kind of scientific information that is needed in order to make judgments about whether a species is common and secure, or is rare, endangered, etc. Making the correct conservation status determination is a critical process, not only because we need to know which species are endangered in order to protect them, but protection efforts require time and money, and also involves laws and regulations that we don’t want to put into play unless truly necessary.

Plants and animals are listed as endangered, or under the less critical status of “threatened,” by both federal and state laws. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is largely responsible for endangered and threatened species covered by the federal Endangered Species Act. These are the species that are of concern in the entire country. Three state agencies are responsible for species of concern and the associated laws and regulations within the borders of Pennsylvania, and they maintain lists of state endangered and threatened species: PA Game Commission (birds and mammals), PA Fish and Boat Commission (fish, amphibians, reptiles and aquatic organisms) and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (plants).

Although each of these agencies relies on internal expertise and committees of recognized biologists to assess species status, the public also has the opportunity to become involved. In fact, this last point is a very important one. Even with its shortcomings, the Endangered Species Act is one of the most monumental environmental laws of all time, and it would not have come about without the involvement of an informed American public.

I am so pleased that you asked how you can be involved with endangered species. In addition to supporting organizations involved in establishing and defending such environmental policies, individual action is also powerful. Comments can be provided to the agencies mentioned above at any time, but the opportunity especially arises when a bill is before legislative bodies, or when regulations are being updated. A letter from you to your state or national representative will mean a lot for endangered species. Giving testimony in support of species protection at a public hearing is another significant opportunity to speak out.

Sincerely,
Dr. Conservation

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