The Endangered Species Act is a law that is meant to help take care of animals and plants that are at risk of becoming extinct.
Just like how you might help take care of a sick friend, this law helps take care of animals and plants that are sick and need help.
When an animal or plant species is listed as "endangered" or "threatened" under this act, it means that they are in danger of disappearing forever.
So the government steps in to make sure that they have a safe place to live and grow, and to protect them from harm.
People who break the law by hunting, capturing, or harming these species can get into trouble and be punished by law.
This law is important because every plant and animal has an important role to play in our environment, and we need to take care of them for a healthy and balanced ecosystem.