Which federal agency is responsible for determining which species are classified as endangered?

The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is the federal agency tasked with the responsibility of determining which species are classified as endangered. This agency plays a crucial role in the conservation of wildlife and their habitats, enforcing the Endangered Species Act, which aims to protect species that are at risk of extinction. The criteria for classification as endangered include factors like habitat destruction, over-exploitation, disease, and climate change impacts.

The FWS conducts comprehensive assessments of species based on scientific research and data collection, ensuring that decisions are grounded in factual evidence about the status of wildlife populations. Their decisions are critical not only for the protection of individual species but also for maintaining ecosystem balance.

In contrast, other agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) focus on different aspects of environmental protection and conservation, but do not have the primary authority for classifying endangered species. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) primarily deals with agricultural policies and programs and does not engage directly in the protection or classification of endangered species.