Summary: Major management improvements are needed in the following processes used by the Department of the Interior to prevent the endangerment and extinction of plants and animals: (1) listing species as endangered or threatened; (2) consulting with other Federal agencies; and (3) recovering listed species. Suggested amendments to be made to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 are discussed. In order to provide adequate protection to threatened species while minimizing the impact on Federal, State, or private projects, GAO recommended that: (1) listings should be limited to species which are endangered throughout all of their existing ranges rather than those endangered only in some locations; (2) permanent exemptions should cover ongoing construction projects; and (3) protection to species should be increased. This final recommendation would require Federal agencies to adequately consider the impact their projects and programs will have on species for which notices of intent to review or proposed listing regulations have been published in the Federal Register.
