Which law prohibits the harm or collection of endangered or threatened species?

The Endangered Species Act is primarily designed to protect and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. This law makes it illegal to harm, harass, or collect endangered or threatened species. It also establishes a framework for the conservation of these species, which includes designating critical habitats and implementing recovery plans. By focusing specifically on those species at risk of extinction, the Endangered Species Act plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and ecological integrity.

In contrast, the other acts mentioned pertain to different environmental concerns. The Clean Air Act primarily addresses air pollution standards, whereas the Wildlife Restoration Act focuses on funding for wildlife management and restoration efforts. The National Environmental Policy Act mandates environmental assessments for federal projects. Therefore, none of these acts has the specific aim of protecting threatened or endangered species to the extent that the Endangered Species Act does.