Maine Calling: Endangered Species

MAINE PUBLIC • May 15, 2026

On this Endangered Species Day, hear about animals and plants in Maine that are most in danger of extinction, as well as species that are threatened. Since 1973, the U.S. Endangered Species Act has protected these species—from whales to butterflies to beach plum. But recent changes proposed by the Trump administration would remove some of these protections. What does the future hold for vulnerable flora and fauna in Maine? Panelists: Laura Minich Zitske, wildlife ecologist; associate director of conservation, Maine Audubon; Dr. Alexander Fish, wildlife research biologist, population ecologist, ornithologist, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.