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options for a species' eventual recovery. Section 3(5)(C) further states that the entire geographical area which can be occupied by the species shall not be included in critical habitat except in special circumstances. ROLE OF CRITICAL HABITAT IN SPECIES CONSERVATION Areas considered for critical habitat designation are evaluated for their actual or potential contributions to the conservation of the species. In this regard, critical habitat serves to preserve options for a species' eventual recovery. In the definition of critical habitat, "conservation" mandates designation of areas that may be needed for a species' eventual recovery and delisting. However, when critical habitat is designated at the time a species is listed, the Service may not know recovery needs, but it must use the best scientific and commercial information available at the time in determining which areas to designate. The designation of critical habitat will not, by itself, lead to recovery, but is one of several measures available to contribute to conservation of a species. Critical habitat helps focus conservation activities by identifying areas that contain essential habitat features (primary constituent elements) regardless of whether or not they are currently occupied by the listed species. Such designations alert Federal Agencies, States, the public, and other entities about the importance of an area for the conservation of a listed species. Critical habitat can also identify areas that may require special management or protection. Areas designated as critical habitat receive protection under Section 7 of the Act with regard to actions carried out, funded, or authorized by a Federal Agency which are likely to adversely modify or destroy critical habitat. Section 7 requires that Federal Agencies consult on their actions which may affect critical habitat and insure that their actions are not likely to destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. It also requires conferences on Federal actions which are likely to result in the modification or destruction of proposed critical habitat. Except for these added consultation (designated critical habitat) and conference (proposed critical habitat) requirements provided under Section 7, the Act does not have other requirements relating to critical habitat. Designating critical habitat does not create a management plan for a listed species. Designation does not establish numerical population goals, prescribe specific management actions (inside or outside of critical habitat), nor does it have a direct effect on areas not designated as critical habitat. Recovery planning and critical habitat designation are different processes. Specific management recommendations for critical habitat are more appropriately addressed in recovery plans, management plans, and through Section 7 consultation. Critical habitat identifies specific areas essential to the conservation of a species. Areas not currently containing all of the essential features, but with the capability to do so in the future, may also be essential for the long-term recovery of the species, particularly in certain portions of its range. These may be designated as critical habitat. However, not all areas containing the features of a listed species' habitat are necessarily essential to species' survival 37