New York Adds 3 to Endangered List After 26 Years

Govind Tekale

Red wood ants produce formic acid from their venom gland at the rear of their abdomen, creating defense systems that shield forest ecosystems.

Photo Source: Egor Kamelev (Pexels)

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Protection status was finalized on April 9, 2025, with the endangered species list being updated for the first time since 1999.

Photo Source: Photo flickker (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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More than 1,300 public comments were received during the review process, showing how wildlife protection still captivates New Yorkers.

Photo Source: Brian Zarate (CC BY 4.0)

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Wetland habitats are being destroyed by development while pollution seeps into the remaining breeding grounds of the once-overlooked Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog.

Photo Source: Loba Wolf (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Road crossings become death traps for Eastern Tiger Salamanders during spring migrations, with breeding pools filled in by bulldozers across the state.

Photo Source: Martin Lindner (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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These three precious animals are being given a better chance at survival," was declared by Tara Zuardo from the Center for Biological Diversity.

Photo Source: Dendroica cerulea  (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

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The Eastern Hellbender, American Eel, and American Shad were left off the protected list despite scientific evidence showing their rapid population decline.

Photo Source: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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State-level protections were established just as federal endangered species safeguards are being targeted for weakening under new proposals.

Photo Source: Wally Gobetz (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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