FWSProposed RuleSeptember 4, 2025

Endangered and Threatened Species: Species Not Warranted for Listing

EnvironmentAgriculture

Summary

The Fish and Wildlife Service has decided that certain animal and plant species do not need protection under the Endangered Species Act, meaning they will not be added to the official list of endangered or threatened species. This decision affects how these particular species will be managed and what legal protections they receive going forward.

Key Points

1The Fish and Wildlife Service reviewed petitions to protect certain species and concluded they do not currently meet the legal criteria for endangered or threatened status
2Species not listed will not receive the automatic legal protections that come with endangered species designation, such as habitat protection and restrictions on hunting or collecting
3This is a proposed rule, meaning there will be a public comment period where citizens and organizations can provide feedback before a final decision is made
4The decision applies to species in the Southeast region (Region 4), and different species may have different reasons for not being listed
5Private landowners and businesses may face fewer regulations regarding these species compared to species that are officially protected

Key Dates

Published

September 4, 2025

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This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.