The Endangered Species Act was enacted on Dec. 28, 1973 after passing Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. In honor of its 50th anniversary, Defenders of Wildlife highlighted 50 species over 50 days that were recovered or protected by this bedrock conservation law. Check out the animals and plants we showcased that are with us today thanks to the ESA!
Please note the following species are listed in the order they appeared in Defenders’ countdown.
1. Bald Eagle
2. Rusty-patched Bumblebee
Here’s the hidden story of these bumblebees and the mission blue butterfly.
3. Grizzly Bear
Protected by the ESA since 1975. Currently listed as threatened.
4. Ocelot
Protected by the ESA since 1982. Currently listed as endangered.
5. Mission Blue Butterfly
6. Peregrine Falcon
Recovered! Protected by the ESA from 1973 to 1999.
7. Florida Panther
Protected by the ESA since 1973. Currently listed as endangered.
8. Golden Paintbrush
9. North Atlantic Right Whale
Protected by the ESA since 1973. Currently listed as endangered.
Whale it out loud for the critically endangered North Atlantic right and Rice’s whales.
10. Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Protected by the ESA since 1973. Currently listed as endangered.
11. Northern Long Eared Bat
Protected by the ESA since 2015. Currently listed as endangered.
12. California Tiger Salamander
13. Golden Cheeked Warbler
Protected by the ESA since 1990. Currently listed as endangered.
14. Florida Manatee
Learn how Defenders are saving manatees close to their home and heart.
15. Red Wolf
Protected by the ESA since 1973. Currently listed as endangered.
16. Chinook Pacific Salmon
Protected by the ESA since 1999. Currently listed as endangered.
17. San Joaquin Kit Fox
Protected by the ESA since 1973. Currently listed as endangered.
18. Spruce Fir Moss Spider
Protected by the ESA since 1995. Currently listed as endangered.
19. California Condor
Protected by the ESA since 1973. Currently listed as endangered.
20. Desert Tortoise
Protected by the ESA since 1990. Currently listed as threatened.
21. Gray Wolf
Protected by the ESA since 1974. Currently listed as threatened in Minnesota and endangered in the remaining Lower 48 except the Northern Rockies.
22. Southern Resident Orca
Protected by the ESA since 2005. Currently listed as endangered.
23. Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl
Give a tooting-hoot about these owls.
24. Texas Blind Salamander
Protected by the ESA since 1973. Currently listed as endangered.
25. White Bark Pine
Protected by the ESA since 2022. Currently listed as threatened.
26. Loggerhead Turtle
Protected by the ESA since 2011. Currently listed as endangered.
27. Honduran Emerald Hummingbird
Protected by the ESA since 2015. Currently listed as endangered.
28. Black-footed Ferret
Protected by the ESA since 1973. Currently listed as endangered.
29. Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
30. Rufa Red Knot
Take a journey through nine fun facts about these migratory birds.
31. Louisiana Black Bear
Recovered! Protected by the ESA from 1992 to 2016.
32. Lesser Prairie Chicken
Not currently protected by the ESA, but under consideration.
33. Brown Pelican
Recovered! Protected by the ESA from 1973 to 1985.
34. Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog
Protected by the ESA since 2023. Currently listed as threatened.
35. Bog Turtle
Meet the tiniest turtle in North America.
36. Mexican Gray Wolf
Protected by the ESA since 1976. Currently listed as endangered.
37. Pinyon Jay
Not currently protected by the ESA, but under consideration.
38. Snail Darter
Recovered! Protected by the ESA from 1975 to 2022.
39. Greater Sage-grouse
Protected by the ESA since 2010. Currently listed as endangered.
40. Clubshell Mussel
Protected by the ESA since 1976. Currently listed as endangered.
41. Mexican Spotted Owl
Protected by the ESA since 1993. Currently listed as threatened.
42. American Alligator
Find out why we almost say "see you later" to the American Alligator and eight other amazing facts.
43. Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit
44. Cook Inlet Beluga Whale
Protected by the ESA since 2008. Currently listed as endangered.
45. Aleutian Canada Goose
Recovered! Protected by the ESA from 1973 to 2001.
46. Island Night Lizard
Recovered! Protected by the ESA from 1977 to 2014.
47. Steller Sea Lion
Protected by the ESA since 1990. Currently listed as endangered.
48. Beaufort Sea Polar Bear
Protected by the ESA since 2008. Currently listed as threatened.
49. Piping Plover
Protected by the ESA since 1986. Currently listed as threatened.
50. Southern Sea Otter
Protected by the ESA since 1977. Currently listed as threatened.