Which federal act protects endangered species in South Carolina?

The Endangered Species Act is the federal law specifically designed to protect endangered and threatened species, as well as their habitats. Enacted in 1973, this act provides a framework for the conservation of species that are at risk of extinction. It allows for the identification of species needing protection, the creation of recovery plans, and the implementation of protective measures for both the species and their habitats.

In South Carolina, the Endangered Species Act plays a crucial role in safeguarding various species that may be susceptible to habitat loss, over-exploitation, or other threats. This act empowers federal and state agencies to work together in the conservation efforts and ensures that economic considerations do not override the need for biodiversity preservation.

Other acts listed, while important for environmental and land management, do not specifically focus on the protection of endangered species. For instance, the Clean Water Act primarily addresses water pollution, the National Parks Act deals with the establishment and management of national parks, and the Wilderness Act provides a framework for the preservation of wilderness areas but does not focus on endangered species protection. Therefore, the Endangered Species Act stands out as the key legislation for safeguarding threatened wildlife in South Carolina.