**In a move to combat illegal wildlife trade, federal officials have announced plans to classify pangolins as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.**
**Pangolins to Gain Endangered Status Amid Conservation Efforts**
**Pangolins to Gain Endangered Status Amid Conservation Efforts**
**U.S. officials advocate for stronger protections for pangolins following years of trafficking issues.**
The pangolin, a peculiar and endearing creature draped in protective scales, is facing a perilous future as they are considered the most trafficked mammals across the globe. In a groundbreaking announcement made on Monday, U.S. officials proposed to extend protections to these vulnerable animals under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Though native to areas in Africa and Asia, the ESA mandates the safeguarding of endangered species regardless of their habitat location, meaning that pangolins are set to receive similar protections within U.S. borders. This initiative is a response to ongoing legal advocacy from conservationists, which persists despite previous efforts by the Trump administration to dilute various environmental protections.
These proposed measures will extend vital safeguards such as prohibiting the importation and exportation, hunting, and any commercial activities relating to pangolins. Furthermore, inclusion in the ESA may facilitate funding for conservation initiatives in their native regions, although recent budget cuts raise concerns about the availability of such resources.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service highlighted the connection between the illegal wildlife trade of pangolins and more significant criminal operations, stating that "the proceeds from the illicit sale of pangolins and other imperiled species often fund serious crimes, including drug and arms trafficking." Conservationists assert that denying pangolins protection under the ESA would be indefensible, given their alarming decline.
Though native to areas in Africa and Asia, the ESA mandates the safeguarding of endangered species regardless of their habitat location, meaning that pangolins are set to receive similar protections within U.S. borders. This initiative is a response to ongoing legal advocacy from conservationists, which persists despite previous efforts by the Trump administration to dilute various environmental protections.
These proposed measures will extend vital safeguards such as prohibiting the importation and exportation, hunting, and any commercial activities relating to pangolins. Furthermore, inclusion in the ESA may facilitate funding for conservation initiatives in their native regions, although recent budget cuts raise concerns about the availability of such resources.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service highlighted the connection between the illegal wildlife trade of pangolins and more significant criminal operations, stating that "the proceeds from the illicit sale of pangolins and other imperiled species often fund serious crimes, including drug and arms trafficking." Conservationists assert that denying pangolins protection under the ESA would be indefensible, given their alarming decline.
