Possible adverse effects on endangered and threatened species represent one of the highest profile environmental issues of our time. Endangered and threatened species are found among all the various different taxonomic groups, including well-known mammals and birds, and also fish, aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans and molluscs, and insects, reptiles, amphibians, and plants.
A wide range of human activities can potentially affect endangered species. These include such diverse activities as agriculture, dredging, timber management, industrial activities, and water management. Environmental organizations are very active in monitoring the possible effects of all of these diverse activities on endangered species. Recently, several environmental organizations have been successful in litigating against EPA concerning potential effects on endangered and threatened species.
Several key laws and regulations apply to endangered and threatened species. The primary law is the Endangered Species Act. For some types of activities, 
such as agricultural or non-agricultural use of pesticides, additional laws such as the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act are also applicable.
There are also a variety of federal and state agencies involved in enforcement of endangered and threatened species regulations and evaluations of potential impacts of activities on endangered and threatened species. These agencies include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and state environmental regulatory agencies.
Exponent brings a well-trained, diverse group of regulatory and scientific consultants to bear on endangered and threatened species issues. Our team includes experts with knowledge of the applicable laws and regulations, plus those with various complementary scientific expertise, to address the client’s endangered and threatened species issues. This scientific expertise includes biologists, chemists, agronomists, and others who may be needed to address a specific endangered and threatened species issue.
Exponent’s services can range from providing a client with essential background information on endangered and threatened species and advising on options for addressing a potential endangered and threatened species issue, to a complete, detailed evaluation of an endangered and threatened species issue, depending on the client’s need. Exponent can help a client determine the likely outcome of a regulatory agency evaluation of an endangered and threatened species issue, assist in responding to a regulatory agency determination concerning endangered and threatened species, and develop and evaluate the most effective and efficient mitigation measures to address an endangered and threatened species concern.