Endangered Species. Spotted Owl Petition Evaluation Beset by Problems
Abstract
The General Accounting Office reviewed the decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to deny a petition to list the northern spotted owl as an endangered species. This report focuses on the process FWS followed in reaching that decision. In January 1987, FWS accepted a petition from an environmental organization to list the spotted owl as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Pursuant to the act, in response to such a petition, FWS is to review the species' status and make a listing decision solely on the basis of its biological condition. To investigate the spotted owl petition, FWS formed a study team, which prepared a status report on the owl. In December 1987, FWS concluded that the owl was not endangered and denied the listing petition. Environmental groups challenged FWS' decision in federal court in March 1988. In November 1988, the court decided that FWS had not supported its conclusion that the owl was not endangered or threatened. The court has subsequently given FWS until May 1, 1989, to provide additional support for its conclusion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA206795
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office