A fish is no longer a fish, so it loses its endangered species protection

US wildlife regulators propose removing the Gila chub from the endangered species list. This means the fish will no longer receive federal protection or conservation measures.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is changing the definition of a species. If a species is no longer considered a "valid taxonomic entity," it can be removed from protection. This decision sets a precedent for how scientific classification can directly affect conservation efforts and land use.