What government area primarily implements the Endangered Species Act?

The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is the primary agency responsible for implementing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the United States. This law, enacted in 1973, aims to protect and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. The FWS's role includes listing species as endangered or threatened, designating critical habitats, creating recovery plans, and ensuring compliance with the legal protections afforded to these species under the ESA.

The agency's expertise in wildlife conservation and management, along with its scientific resources, allows it to effectively oversee and coordinate efforts to protect endangered species. It collaborates with various stakeholders, including state agencies, conservation groups, and the public, to ensure the protection and recovery of these species.