Which of the following takes priority under the Endangered Species Act?

Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the primary focus is on the protection of threatened and endangered species and their habitats. The act emphasizes the importance of preserving biodiversity and ensuring the survival of species at risk of extinction, thus giving species protection the highest priority.

This prioritization reflects the intent of the ESA to prevent the loss of species, which can have cascading effects on ecosystems and biodiversity as a whole. The law mandates federal agencies to take actions that further the conservation of listed species and prohibits activities that may jeopardize their existence or destroy their habitats.

In contrast, economic considerations, tourism revenue, and land development, while often significant to local economies and communities, are secondary to the core mission of the ESA. These factors may be taken into account during the decision-making process, but they do not override the fundamental goal of protecting endangered and threatened species.