Background
The endangered species list is comprised of animals deemed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be on the brink of extinction. When a species is added to the list, development in their habitat may be restricted. In Texas, areas of residential, commercial and drilling development have intersected with the habitat of species either on the list or under consideration for inclusion.
The list was signed into law as part of the Endangered Species Act in 1973 by President Richard Nixon.