What role does the government play in adding species to the Endangered Species List?

Basically, i'm trying to figure out if they have a role at all. I know that sites have said things like, under the Bush administration, 59 species have been added to the list.

But what do they do specifically? Does the government decide which species get on the list?

I have no idea, and it's bothering me.

Well, as an example there may be a species of bird that lives in a particular area only. It may have a long gestation period and mate for life. There may also be uranium in the ground under the trees they inhabit. If the government grants a mining lease for the area - the birds will most likely die out. There's loads of examples - but you get the drift.

once an animal is placed on this list, the government can then seize private property which may or may not contain these species. the list is a scam which is used by liberals to gain power over other people,not to protect animals.

They make the list. And then the hippies can tell you what to do with your land.