The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is opening a public comment period on their explanation for why they did not treat the northern distinct population segment (DPS) of the southern subspecies of the scarlet macaw as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This decision is in compliance with a U.S. District Court order that highlighted the lack of explanation in an earlier rule. The Service explained that section 4(e) of the ESA, which allows for a species to be treated as endangered based on similarity of appearance, applies only to species not already listed under section 4(a) as threatened, like the northern DPS that is already listed as threatened. They argued that treating the northern DPS as endangered based on similarity of appearance wouldn’t provide additional benefits or protections.
Simple Explanation
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to hear what people think about why a special group of colorful birds called the scarlet macaw isn't treated as needing more protection even though they already get some. They explained that giving them more protection wouldn’t really help because they are already listed as needing attention due to being threatened.