Trump admin halts wildlife funds, sparks extinction fears
The Donald Trump administration has halted funding for key wildlife conservation programs, increasing the risk of poaching elephants and rhinos, "The Guardian" reports.
The Trump administration has decided to freeze funds for key wildlife conservation programs, which may increase the threat to elephants and rhinos. This decision concerns international conservation grants managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), which support the protection of endangered species around the world.
Environmental organizations, such as the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed outrage and announced legal action if funding is not restored.
Sarah Uhlemann from this organization emphasized that the funds are crucial for patrols protecting rhinos in Africa, where their population has dropped by 94 percent over the last century.
In a letter to the FWS, the Center for Biological Diversity indicated that stopping funding violates the U.S. Endangered Species Act, which requires consideration of endangered species in government decisions. The organization emphasizes that lack of funds may lead to the extinction of some of the world's most endangered animals.
The freezing of grants is part of Trump's broader policy to limit U.S. foreign aid. Previously, the president attempted to weaken the Endangered Species Act and pushed for fossil fuel projects and deforestation initiatives that could threaten species.
Controversies around hunting
Legal hunting in Africa is popular among some Americans, including Donald Trump Jr., who was seen with an elephant's cut-off tail. The Fish and Wildlife Service was asked to comment on the potential lawsuit.
