Since passage of the Endangered Species Act 50 years ago, more than 1,700 plants, mammals, fish, insects and other species in the U.S. have been listed as threatened or endangered with extinction. Yet federal government data reveals striking disparities in how much money is allocated to save various biological kingdoms.

Of the roughly $1.2 billion a year spent on endangered and threatened species, about half goes toward recovery of just two types of fish: salmon and steelhead trout along the West Coast. Tens of millions of dollars go to other widely known animals including manatees, right whales, grizzly bears and spotted owls.

But the large sums directed toward a handful of species means others have gone neglected, in some cases for decades, as they teeter on potential extinction.

  • anon6789
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    210 months ago

    I don’t necessarily even think it requires more money. Just make zones that are really off limits to any kind of use or development.

    Maybe like more and bigger national parks, but ideally just permitted researchers. Like a strategic national ecology reserve. No roads or structures to maintain. No real human impact. Nothing to pay for, just let nature do her thing.

    • rivermonster
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      010 months ago

      Totally agree, there’s lots of $0 policy options to increase protections. Right there with you, mate!