A strong New Mexico endangered species conservation program is not a substitute for a strong federal program. The state law lacks the substantive protections and citizen enforcement provisions that have made the federal Endangered Species Act so effective in preventing species extinctions.

However, a strong New Mexico species conservation program should serve as a vibrant complement to Endangered Species Act enforcement at the federal level. In addition, while species are in the "waiting room" – i.e., awaiting federal listing – a state listing can provide an important red flag to private parties and government agencies at all levels. The red flag signals the need for reforming policies that are factoring in the demise of imperiled but federally unprotected species.

New Mexico's Threatened and Endangered Species

The federal administration’s non-enforcement and sabotage of the federal Endangered Species Act underscores the urgency of a rigorous and effective species conservation program at the state level. Significant improvements, both in terms of taxa covered and conservation measures included, are required in New Mexico’s program.
Forest Guardians Review of New Mexico State Threatened & Endangered Species 7/5/06