Overview

• On June 16, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced plans to list all eight pangolin species as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
• The rule would bar the import of pangolin scales, meat and derivatives into the United States and forbid U.S. nationals from aiding in their trade abroad.
• Pangolins have faced steep population declines from poaching and habitat loss and are the world’s most trafficked mammals for traditional medicine and delicacies.
• Between 2016 and 2020, U.S. border agents intercepted 76 shipments of pangolin parts, and international seizures in Nigeria and Indonesia involved multiple tons of scales.
• Pangolins have been protected under CITES since 2017, but ongoing seizures highlight that global illegal trade remains unchecked.