What Are Some Laws That Protect Endangered Animals?

Endangered species are groups of animals that are at risk of becoming extinct. The most common reasons that animals are added to this list are low population levels and the destruction of their natural habitats. Animals are evaluated and placed on the list by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Several laws have been put into place to avoid the further endangerment of animal species:

Endangered Species Act: This law prohibits the procurement, sell, purchase or trade of any animal or plant that is listed as an endangered species. This protection also extends to body parts or products thereof.

African Elephant Conservation Act: This law increases support for countries home to African elephants and lays the groundwork for the African Elephant Conservation Fund.

Marine Mammal Protection Act: This law prevents the procurement or trade of the sea otter, polar bear, manatee, walrus, dugong or any parts of their bodies.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act: This law prohibits the procurement, hunting and trading of any species of migratory bird unless called for by regulations established following the act itself. This protection extends to the nests, eggs, feathers and any other part of the birds as well.

Bald and Golden Eagle Act: The law provides complete protection for the bald and golden eagles. The act makes it strictly illegal to buy, sell or trade the birds or any part of them, including their eggs and nests.

Airborne Hunting Act: This law makes any form of hunting or harassing animals from aircraft illegal. The law is also known as the Shooting from Aircraft Act, and allows for exceptions that include protecting other forms of wildlife, livestock or human beings.