What is one of the main goals of the Endangered Species Act?

One of the main goals of the Endangered Species Act is to promote the conservation of ecosystems. This legislation aims to protect not only individual species that are at risk of extinction but also the habitats and ecosystems that sustain them. By focusing on the conservation of entire ecosystems, the Act helps to maintain biodiversity and ensure that both the species and their environments are preserved for future generations. Protecting ecosystems is essential because many species are interconnected, and a healthy ecosystem supports a wide range of organisms, thus contributing to ecological balance and overall health of the environment.

This broader ecological approach is fundamental to the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act, allowing it to address the complex relationships among species and their habitats rather than concentrating solely on individual species or specific areas like wildlife preserves or hunting regulations.