FWS Tightens Rules On African Elephant Imports, Stops Short Of Ban

"The Biden administration released updated rules Friday for importation of live African elephants and trophies derived from them.

The final rule, set to take effect May 1, tightens the rules around imports but does not outright ban the trade. It restricts imports to only those countries that can certify that their elephant populations are sustainable and not in decline.

Another provision, which takes effect in 2026, would require exporting countries to have conservation laws on the books for their elephant populations."

Zack Budryk reports for The Hill March 29, 2024.