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Endangered Species: Factors Associated With Delayed Listing Decisions

RCED-93-152 Published: Aug 05, 1993. Publicly Released: Aug 05, 1993.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined the Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) listing process for six selected endangered species.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
United States Fish and Wildlife Service The Director, FWS, should, when authorizing the use of a conservation agreement to protect a species that would otherwise warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act, ensure that the agreement: (1) addresses the known threats to the species; (2) contains provisions for effective monitoring to ensure that the agreement's protection mechanisms are properly and fully implemented; and (3) is implemented in a timely manner. In addition, the Director should routinely review the effectiveness of such agreements following their implementation.
Closed – Implemented
In November 1994, the agency published a draft policy containing guidance for affording protection to candidate species. Provisions contained in this guidance on the development of conservation agreements reflect actions to be taken that are consistent with GAO's recommendation. Because of higher-priority work at the Fish and Wildlife Service, no timeframe has been set by the agency to make the policy final.

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Topics

Endangered animalsEndangered speciesEnvironmental impact statementsEnvironmental lawEnvironmental monitoringEnvironmental policiesWildlife conservationWildlife managementSpeciesWildlife