U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Endangered Species Act Protection for Pangolins – Space Coast Daily

Federal Protection Proposal for Pangolins to Support Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to Pangolins and Conservation Efforts

Pangolins, small nocturnal mammals distinguished by their unique keratin scales and insectivorous diet, face significant threats from illegal wildlife trafficking, habitat loss, and genetic health challenges. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has proposed federal protections for seven pangolin species across Asia and Africa under the Endangered Species Act.

Species Proposed for Endangered Status

1. Asian Pangolin Species:
   • Chinese Pangolin
   • Indian Pangolin
   • Sunda Pangolin
   • Philippine Pangolin
2. African Pangolin Species:
   • White-bellied Pangolin
   • Black-bellied Pangolin
   • Giant Pangolin

Ecological Characteristics and Habitat

• Pangolins are covered in protective scales and use long, sticky tongues to consume ants, termites, and other insects.
• They reproduce slowly, typically birthing one pup annually.
• Habitats include savannas, woodlands, and forests, emphasizing the importance of habitat conservation (SDG 15).

Threats to Pangolin Populations and SDG Implications

Illegal wildlife trafficking remains the primary threat, involving poaching, smuggling, and illicit trade. This crisis undermines several SDGs, including:

• SDG 15: Threatens biodiversity and ecosystem health.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): Trafficking proceeds fund organized crime, drug, and arms trafficking, destabilizing communities.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Calls for international cooperation to combat wildlife trafficking.

Pangolins’ slow and defensive behavior makes them particularly vulnerable to poaching, which exacerbates their population decline.

Conservation Measures and International Cooperation

• Pangolins are currently protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), restricting international trade.
• The USFWS’s proposed listing aims to strengthen national efforts and contribute to global biodiversity conservation goals.
• This initiative supports SDG 15 by promoting sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss.

Public Participation and Next Steps

The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register on June 17, 2025, initiating a 60-day public comment period until August 18, 2025. Stakeholders and the public are encouraged to submit comments via www.regulations.gov, docket number FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0028.

Conclusion

The USFWS’s commitment to listing pangolins as endangered species reflects a strategic approach to biodiversity conservation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Protecting pangolins contributes to ecosystem stability, combats illegal wildlife trafficking, and fosters international collaboration, thereby advancing global sustainability and environmental justice.

For further information, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website at www.fws.gov.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article focuses on the conservation of pangolins, endangered terrestrial mammals, which directly relates to protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
   • It addresses the threats to biodiversity such as illegal wildlife trafficking, habitat loss, and genetic health deterioration.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Illegal wildlife trafficking is linked to organized crime and funding of serious crimes like drug and arms trafficking, implicating the need for strong institutions and enforcement to combat these crimes.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article mentions international cooperation through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), highlighting global partnerships to combat illegal trade.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. Under SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and protect endangered species.
   • Target 15.7: Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products.
2. Under SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime.
3. Under SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 15 Targets
   • Proportion of important sites for terrestrial biodiversity that are covered by protected areas (indicator 15.1.1).
   • Red List Index (indicator 15.5.1) measuring the extinction risk of species, relevant to pangolin species being proposed for endangered status.
   • Number of species threatened by poaching and trafficking (implied under 15.7.1).
2. Indicators for SDG 16 Targets
   • Proportion of seized wildlife products and number of prosecutions related to wildlife trafficking (implied under 16.4.2).
   • Number of organized crime cases linked to wildlife trafficking disrupted or prosecuted.
3. Indicators for SDG 17 Targets
   • Number of international agreements and partnerships in place for biodiversity conservation and enforcement (implied by reference to CITES and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cooperation).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: spacecoastdaily.com