On May 21, 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and several
conservation organizations will observe Endangered Species Day
to recognize the conservation programs underway nationwide aimed
at protecting America’s threatened and endangered species. The
Endangered Species Act (ESA) has helped to prevent the
extinction of hundreds of species. Co-administered by the
Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the
purpose of the ESA is to conserve imperiled species and the
ecosystems upon which they depend. “The Endangered Species Act
is the nation’s premier law protecting biodiversity today,” said
Acting Service Director Rowan Gould. “The bald eagle, American
alligator and gray wolf are all species which once found
themselves on the list, facing the brink of extinction, but have
successfully rebounded. The wood stork, Kirtland’s warbler,
Louisiana black bear and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle are still
listed species that are showing good progress towards achieving
recovery — the ultimate goal of th