The primary purpose of the Endangered Species Act is to protect and recover imperiled species and their ecosystems. Enacted in 1973, it provides a framework for the conservation of species listed as endangered or threatened. The Act mandates federal agencies to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize the survival of these species. It also facilitates the designation of critical habitats essential for their recovery. By balancing ecological, social, and economic factors, the Act aims to foster biodiversity and sustain ecosystems across the United States.