The Trump administration has protected just three species under the Endangered Species Act in nearly two years, fewer than any other administration in the law's more than 50-year history. All three Florida reptiles, the Florida Keys mole skink, rim rock crowned snake, and Key ringneck snake, were listed following court orders.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has missed dozens of deadlines set in its workplan. In fiscal year 2026 alone, the Service failed to make scheduled findings for 39 species, including little brown bats, golden-winged warblers, and Arizona toads.
In July the Trump administration published a new workplan version that dropped decisions for 64 species over the next five years. This means animals including pygmy rabbits and Florida manatees have no prospects for gaining protection.
Noah Greenwald, endangered species codirector at the Center for Biological Diversity, said the administration is "taking a wrecking ball to protections not just for wildlife but also our air, water and climate" to benefit polluters and billionaires.
Under the Clinton administration 521 species were protected. The Obama administration protected 361 species. The first Trump administration listed 22 species.