When a species is proposed for listing as endangered or threatened under
the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must
consider whether there are areas of habitat believed to be essential the
species’ conservation. Those areas may be proposed for designation as
“critical habitat.” Critical habitat is a term defined and used in the
Act. It is a specific geographic area(s) that contains features
essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and
that may require special management and protection. Critical habitat
may include an area that is not currently occupied by the species but
that will be needed for its recovery. An area is designated as “critical
habitat” after the Service publishes a proposed Federal regulation in
the Federal Register and receives and considers public comments on the
proposal. The final boundaries of the critical habitat are also
published in the Federal Register. Critical habitat are areas considered
essential for the conservation of a listed species. Federal agencies
are required to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on
actions they carry out, fund, or authorize to ensure that their actions
will not destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. These areas
provide notice to the public and land managers of the importance of
these areas to the conservation of a listed species. Special protections
and/or restrictions are possible in areas where Federal funding,
permits, licenses, authorizations, or actions occur or are required.
