The Loggerhead Turtle, a turtle which can be found in the waters of the United States has been recommended for the endangered species, by the federal government. The Loggerhead Turtle was already on the threathened list since 1978, but that is a step below the endangered list.
Researchers said primary threats to the loggerheads include injury and death from fishing gear and damage to their nesting areas.
Environmental groups who’d been pushing an endangered listing said the proposal was a “turning point” they hope will lead to greater turtle protections.
No one really knows how many loggerheads there are, or how many are being killed by fishing gear or other activities. A species doesn’t need falling numbers to be endangered, it can get the listing if it’s shown to be threatened by one of five factors, such as disease or “manmade factors affecting its continued existence.”