This handbook is a guide to the federal Endangered Species Act, the primary U.S. law aimed at protecting species of animals and plants from human threats to their survival. It is intended for lawyers, government agency employees, students, community activists, businesspeople, and any citizen who wants to understand the Act--its history, provisions, accomplishments, and failures.

In a world that is slowly warming, the lives of plants and animals are at risk. Some, like the polar bear, are in danger of extinction because their Arctic ecosystem is melting. Others, like the golden toad, have already gone extinct. This books cites the Industrial Revolution and human-created greenhouse gases as causing a significant increase in global temperatures, which has adversely affected animals and plants. By understanding the differences between endangered and threatened species and the threats posed to various habitats, readers will form a new appreciation of conservation efforts and may be inspired to become environmental activists themselves.

A biological crossroads where temperate gives way to tropical and east blends into west, Florida has over twenty-five primary habitat types, several of which are unique to the state. Within these richly varied natural communities lives an astonishing abundance of animals and plants, making Florida one of the United States' most biologically diverse regions. At the same time, sadly, Florida is also one of the country's most ecologically imperiled regions, second only to California in the number of its animals and plants that have been federally designated as endangered or threatened. This fully illustrated book is a comprehensive, yet convenient and easy-to-understand guide to Florida's endangered and threatened animals and the habitats that support them. Chris Scott covers all 71 species, subspecies, or populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, crustaceans, insects, corals, and mollusks. His species accounts describe each animal's listed status, identifying characteristics, historical and current distribution, biology, current threats, and conservation efforts. To make the crucial link between animals and their habitats, Scott also includes extensive discussions of Florida's natural regions; human impacts on the environment, including habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of invasive, nonnative species; and ongoing efforts to conserve and restore native plant and animal communities. With this wealth of information available in no other single volume, everyone who cares about the natural environment can help preserve one of America's biological treasurehouses.

We share the planet with millions of plants and animals. Sometimes human behavior can harm them. This title introduces readers to the plants and animals that are now classified as threatened, endangered, and extinct. Readers will learn about the threats and dangers these species face or once faced and the consequences that follow. Important concepts such as conservation and protection are explored in this title, which will help readers understand people’s role in helping threatened and endangered species. Age-appropriate text and colorful photographs make this high-interest topic accessible for young readers.