The U.S. government is moving to protect pangolins, the uniquely scaled mammals recognized as the most trafficked species in the world, by recommending their listing under the Endangered Species Act. This proposal, announced by federal officials on Monday, highlights the increasing urgency to safeguard these creatures, native to regions in Africa and Asia, from illegal trafficking of their scales and meat.
The endorsement for the pangolins' endangered status emerges amidst a backdrop of legal challenges pushed by conservationists, despite the Trump administration's previous efforts to weaken environmental protections. Under the Endangered Species Act, foreign species designated as endangered receive significant legal safeguards, including bans on importation, exportation, hunting, and commercial exploitation. Additionally, achieving this status could unlock funding for conservation initiatives in the pangolins' home countries, although this has been jeopardized by recent budget cuts.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service emphasized that proceeds from illegal pangolin sales are often linked to severe criminal activities, including drug and arms trafficking. The proposed inclusion of pangolins under the act reflects a commitment to reversing their population decline and addressing the interconnected issues of wildlife trafficking. Conservationists argue that there is ample justification for granting protections to these animals, given their drastically threatened status.
