Final answer:
Endangered species protection is mandated by various laws such as the U.S. Endangered Species Act and international agreements like CITES, focusing on the conservation of biodiversity through species recovery plans and habitat preservation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The protection of endangered species is a concern that has been addressed through various legislative frameworks both domestically and internationally. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) established in the United States in 1973 is one of the oldest and strongest laws that direct efforts towards protecting endangered species by requiring the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to develop recovery plans for listed species. Alongside national efforts, international treaties such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) regulate the transportation of endangered species across borders. However, these efforts sometimes fall short due to procedural difficulties, underfunding, and the emphasis on individual species as opposed to entire ecosystems. Conservation strategies that include habitat restoration, the creation of preserves, and modern technologies like DNA analysis are essential for maintaining biodiversity.