US Proposes Endangered Status for Pangolins Under Endangered Species Act

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has officially proposed to list seven pangolin species, four Asian and three African, as endangered under The Endangered Species Act. This was done in an effort to curb illegal trade and help global conservation efforts.

Pangolins are the most heavily trafficked mammal in the world targeted because of their scales and meat. Despite a global international commercial trade ban, illicit trade has continued. Many pangolins have been removed from their natural habitats. According to the Washington Post, “As poaching and habitat loss have led to the decline of pangolin populations in Asia, poaching and trade from Africa has increased. Researchers estimate that more than 8.5 million pangolins were removed from the wild in West and Central Africa between 2014 and 2021. There is evidence that organized crime networks are involved, the Fish and Wildlife Service said.” Many pangolins have been smuggled from 2014 to 2021, and even after the global ban, millions of these animals have been removed from the wild.

If approved, The Endangered Species Act listing would prohibit the import and Interstate sale of Pangolin Parts in the US and increase the penalty for poaching and smuggling them. According to the Associated Press, “The endangerment listing, once finalized, would help strengthen trade and import restrictions of pangolin parts in the U.S., except in the case of scientific or other conservation purposes, according to the Center.” This means that the Endangered Species Act listing would prohibit the import and Interstate sale of Pangolin Parts in the US except for scientific or conservation uses, which strengthens legal tools for prosecution.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has posted a Federal Register notice proposing to add all Pangolin species to the endangered list. According to the Washington Post, “Protection under the Endangered Species Act ‘is long overdue,’ said Nicholas Arrivo, an attorney for Humane World for Animals. ‘But it’s a good day for pangolins.’” There will be a 60-day comment period that will lead up to the final listing. If finalized, the designation for the pangolins will provide enhanced legal protection trade risk restrictions and funding for law enforcement and conservation.

The over declining populations due to poaching and smuggling.