USFW agrees to expedite decision making on whether to designate or not the backlog of 900 species that have been cited(and waiting forever for action to be taken) as being in potential dire risk of extinction........Kudos to Guardians of Wildlife in getting the Government to take this big step forward to break what has become a "disney-world" line of inertia on ESA designation

The Long Wait is Ending for Species on the Brink
Today, a federal court approved our agreement with the government to make decisions about Endangered Species Act protection (listing) for over 250 candidate species. Our agreement also requires decisions on more than 600 other species that will put them on the path to protection.

All told nearly 900 species, including the Mexican gray wolf, greater sage-grouse, Sonoran desert tortoise, Gunnison's prairie dog, Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle and the Acuña cactus will finally receive the attention they deserve.
The agreement requires the Fish and Wildlife Service to take action on hundreds of plants and animals that will mean the difference between life and death for these species.
Most of these candidate species have been stuck waiting in line for protection for more than two decades. Dozens have waited for more than 30 years. Under our agreement, that waiting line is finally going to start moving.

The candidates include a dazzling array of species, such as birds, butterflies, mammals, fishes, mollusks, wildflowers, cacti, and trees. These species inhabit a range of natural ecosystems, including mountain ranges, tropical islands, forests, rivers, deserts, and other habitats. Some candidates occur in only one place on Earth, while others were historically widespread but have since dwindled in numbers and range.

Collectively, candidate species occur – or once occurred – in all 50 states. They are a vibrant part of the rich natural heritage in our country.