Threatened and Endangered Species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) are responsible for enforcing the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), which seeks to "protect and conserve" threatened and endangered species of plants and animals.

FWS and NMFS determine whether to list a species as threatened or endangered after reviewing material submitted by interested parties as well as public comments. FWS designates terrestrial and freshwater species as threatened or endangered, while NMFS is responsible for listing saltwater species.

Learn more about the ESA listing process.

See an FWS list of plant and animal species found in Texas that are currently listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA.

Texas Endangered Species Listings

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is authorized by the legislature to establish a list of threatened and endangered species in the state.

• See TPWD information about state endangered species and related regulations.
• Use TPWD search tool of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species of Texas by county, common name or scientific name.