About this Collection
We have developed a number of national policies and issued internal guidance to promote efficiency and consistency in our implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This collection includes summaries of our regulations and policies related to species listing and classification, as well as guidance documents for listing, classification, and critical habitat designations.
Regulations and Policies
| Policy or Regulation | Date | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Endangered and Threatened Species Listing and Recovery Priority Guidelines | September 21, 1983; November 15, 1983 - Correction | 48 FR 43098; 48 FR 51985 |
| Interagency Policy on Information Standards under the ESA | July 1, 1994 | 59 FR 34271 |
| Interagency Policy Regarding the Recognition of Distinct Vertebrate Population Segments Under the ESA | February 7, 1996 | 61 FR 4722 |
| Final Policy for Evaluation of Conservation Efforts When Making Listing Decisions | March 28, 2003 | 68 FR 15100 |
| Policy on Interpretation of the Phrase "Significant Portion of Its Range" in the ESA's Definitions of "Endangered Species" and "Threatened Species" | July 1, 2014 | 79 FR 37577 |
| Methodology for Prioritizing Status Reviews and Accompanying 12-Month Findings on Petitions for Listing Under the Endangered Species Act | July 27, 2016 | 81 FR 49248 |
| Regulations Pertaining to Petitions Under the Endangered Species Act | September 27, 2016 | 81 FR 66462 |
| Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat | April 5, 2024 | 89 FR 24300; 50 CFR Part 424 |
| Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants | July 21, 2026 | 91 FR 45723; 50 CFR Part 17 |
| Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat | July 21, 2026 | 91 FR 45662; 50 CFR Part 17 |