In what year was the Whooping Crane officially listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
Answer
1970
The recognition of the severity of the Whooping Crane crisis, stemming from the population crash that hit its nadir in the early 1940s, eventually led to formal governmental protection through legislation. Following years of advocacy and monitoring, the species was officially designated as endangered. This crucial legislative step occurred in the year 1970 when the Whooping Crane was included under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This listing provided the legal framework necessary to coordinate subsequent intensive recovery actions, including the protection of the last remaining wild flock and the initiation of captive breeding initiatives.

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