U.S. Officials Advocate for Endangered Protections for Pangolins

Sat Oct 25 2025 12:37:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Federal authorities propose protection measures for pangolins under the Endangered Species Act amid conservationist efforts against wildlife trafficking.

The U.S. government is taking steps to classify pangolins as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, a move driven by their critical threat from illegal trade and habitat loss.

In an important development for wildlife conservation, U.S. officials announced on June 16, 2025, that pangolins — unique, scaly mammals identified as the most illegally trafficked in the world — should be afforded protections under the Endangered Species Act. Although pangolins are indigenous to Africa and Asia, the Act mandates safeguarding endangered species regardless of their geographic location.

This proposal emerges from persistent conservationist advocacy and presents a stark contrast to previous administration efforts that sought to weaken environmental protections. By labeling pangolins as endangered, the U.S. would impose restrictions on their import, export, hunting, and commercial dealings. Additionally, these measures could facilitate funding for conservation initiatives aimed at protecting these vulnerable species in their home countries, despite concerns over budget cuts and freezes that threaten financial support under the current administration.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, "The proceeds from the illicit sale of pangolins and other imperiled species often fund serious crimes, including drug and arms trafficking." The proposed classification reflects a commitment to reversing the downward trend in pangolin populations and mitigating the international crisis driven by poaching and trafficking. Conservationists emphasize that the drastic decline in pangolin numbers makes it legally mandatory to grant these creatures the protection they urgently require.