Everything you always wanted to know about the ESA * but were afraid to ask

Frozen in time by political stalemate, the Endangered Species Act reflects a simple, linear vision. The status of an at-risk species is assessed through an evaluation of the threats it faces. If the species is in danger of extinction, it is listed as either endangered or threatened and its critical habitat is designated. Following listing, extinction prevention and recovery actions are implemented at biologically relevant scale, the species recovers, and is delisted. Reality has proved far more intransigent.