To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide that artificially propagated animals shall be treated the same under that Act as naturally propagated animals, and for other purposes.

This bill says animals raised by people (like in hatcheries or breeding programs) must be treated the same as wild animals under the Endangered Species Act. The government can’t make different rules for wild vs. captive-bred animals when deciding if a species is endangered or threatened, or when setting aside critical habitat. It also tells the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service to allow use of captive breeding as a way to offset harm (mitigation) when required under the law. These changes apply to all species already listed and any listed in the future.

Key points

• Who is affected: Endangered and threatened animals, including those raised in captivity; agencies that manage wildlife; groups needing permits that require mitigation.
• What changes: Captive-bred animals are treated the same as wild ones for listings and habitat decisions; agencies must authorize artificial propagation for required mitigation.
• When: Applies to all listed species, no matter when they were listed.