Name the first U.S. endangered species?

The Federal protection of endangered species dates back to 1900 with the Lacey Act, which the U.S. Congress passed over growing concern for the decline of the Passenger Pigeon. Which required the secretary of Agriculture to protect, introduce, preserve and distribute, restore wild bird and game bird.

Public awareness grew in the 1960's forcing the Department of Interior to create a committee to identify species in immediate danger of extinction. The Redbook first published in 1964 became the first official document to list species the federal government considered to be endangered of extinction.

Then two years later the U.S. Congress passed the Endangered Species Protection Act of 1966. With the goal of protect, restore, conserve and propagate native fish and wildlife.

More Info: www.fws.gov

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38 Comments

Tom Seigo

jmw, Do you know how SAD and ignorant you sound. It is little wonder this country is in such state of throes! Folks like you and other liberals will point whatever finger on doubt and gloom at ANY Conservative. It is unfortunate that people of your ilk are so bitter over the loss by HilLIARy!!!

danbmcma

Incorrect as the passenger pigeon went extinct before the Endangered Species Act was adopted.

karen twirly

Knew it. My uncle raised and raced pigeons.

newcenturion

The extinction of the Passenger Pigeon is a sad tale.

Janice Ingram

You'd think if the question concerns passing an act to protect passenger pigeons, they'd mention the fact that it FAILED to protect this extinct bird.

Cedric Walters

The correct answer is in fact the African/American male.

harmbrust

majohnson, Your comment make absolutely no sense. People thought President Reagan was going to start a nuclear war. Instead Eastern Europe is free!!

Steve Morrison

weathernco, before it was extinct it was endangered. The government obviously did a lousy job of protecting a species that once numbered in the billions.

weathernco

The Passenger Pigeon is extinct not endangered. Evidently more lessons in English are needed.

l cgosselin

Second guessed myself again and wasted another hint ☹️

jkraemer

Fred Zeb Fudpucker, you're saying something that is probably true however if paid attention to question and also read in the comments the Passenger Pigeon was named before 1970. So fact check yourself before making such a statement.

Ed Taber

Carolyn Brior, There is a marker on the South Dakota border that commemorates a Passenger Pigeon flock that covered almost a hundred square miles. They had to go unless you like pigeon droppings in your flower and corn.