What is the main goal of the Endangered Species Act passed in 1972?

The main goal of the Endangered Species Act, which was enacted in 1972, is to protect at-risk species and their habitats. This legislation was designed to address the significant decline in various species population due to habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, and other human activities. By safeguarding these species, the Act aims to prevent extinction and promote recovery efforts. The law provides mechanisms to identify and designate critical habitats essential for the survival of endangered and threatened species, thus ensuring that their ecosystems are preserved. In addition, the Act facilitates cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies, as well as conservation organizations, to work together in protecting these vulnerable species.

Other options present ideas that do not align with the primary purpose of the Endangered Species Act. Promoting hunting or regulating the pet industry does not relate to the fundamental goal of conservation and protection that the Act embodies. Additionally, while increasing biodiversity in urban areas is important, it is not the central focus of this particular piece of legislation. The Endangered Species Act specifically targets the survival and recovery of species that are threatened with extinction, highlighting its crucial role in biodiversity conservation.