Federal Endangered Species

• How many species that are on the Endangered or Threatened list for the United States are found in your state?
• Name at least three of these species. What is their scientific name? What is the status classification of these species?
• Are any of these species found in caves and underground streams?

National (Federal) Status

For example, in the United States, these definitions were used until recently:

• LE - Listed Endangered: Any species which is danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
• LT - Listed Threatened: Any species which is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range
• PE - Proposed Endangered
• PT - Proposed Threatened
• C - Candidate: Taxa for which substantial information exists to support proposal to list the taxon as endangered or threatened.
• E(S/A) - treat as endangered because of similarity of appearance
• T(S/A) - treat as threatened because of similarity of appearance
  • Category 2: Taxa for which substantial information exists to support proposal to list the taxon as endangered or threatened, but for which conclusive data on its vulnerability and threat are not available to support the proposal
  • Category 3: Taxa that were once being considered for listing as endangered or threatened, but are not currently receiving such consideration.
    • Category 3A: Taxa for which there is persuasive evidence of extinction available. If rediscovered, such taxa might warrant high priority for addition to the list of Federally endangered and threatened species.
    • Category 3B: Organisms that do not meet the legal definition of a species. Future studies and information may warrant their inclusion in the list of Federally endangered and threatened species.
    • Category 3C: Taxa that are not thought to be more abundant and/or widespread that previously thought. Depending on information it can be moved to Category 1 or 2.