“Environmentalists Fight to Protect Endangered Elephants and Rhinos from Funding Cuts”

Environmentalists are raising concerns over the Trump administration’s decision to freeze funding for crucial conservation work aimed at protecting at-risk species, including anti-poaching patrols for elephants and rhinos. The Center for Biological Diversity has sent a notice of intent to sue the administration over the funding cuts, calling them illegal and harmful to iconic wildlife.

The funds, administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), support projects such as scientific research on declining elephant populations, anti-poaching efforts for rhinos, and combating trafficking of threatened turtle populations in countries lacking resources for protection. These funds are provided by Americans through the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) to prevent these animals from becoming extinct.

The abrupt freeze of foreign conservation funding by USFWS has left many nonprofits worldwide in disarray, leading to layoffs and uncertainty about how to continue their vital conservation work. The legal notice sent by the Center for Biological Diversity argues that the suspension of funds without considering the harm to threatened species violates the ESA and other laws requiring rational decision-making by agencies.

Similar freezes of funds by the Trump administration have been found illegal by courts, with orders to resume payments. However, the Supreme Court has paused a deadline for compliance, leaving the situation unresolved. Environmentalists are calling for the administration to reverse the funding freeze and prioritize the protection of endangered wildlife.

The impact of these funding cuts on conservation efforts for elephants, rhinos, and other vulnerable species is significant, and environmentalists are urging action to ensure the continued protection of these iconic animals. Subscribe to EcoWatch for exclusive updates on environmental issues and conservation efforts.