This authoritative guide explains the Endangered Species Act, its implementation, and the issues facing the protection of endangered wildlife and its habitat. Beginning with the act's processes for listing species and designating critical habitat, chapters address key aspects of its application: the duty to consult and avoid jeopardy and the take prohibitions. Other topics include the jeopardy/critical habitats modification prohibition; Native American rights; threatened and endangered plants; international trade restrictions; citizen suits; landowner incentives; nanotechnology; and global warming.