ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham officially signed the Wildlife Trafficking Act (SB 75) that prohibits wildlife trafficking and allows New Mexico to prosecute offenders. It establishes civil penalties of $10,000 or three times the value of the animal product. 

New Mexico will be the 11th state to pass such a law but while most state’s trafficking laws are exclusive to some of the most charismatic species like elephants, rhinoceros, tigers, etc., New Mexico’s law will prohibit the sale or trade of all species listed on Appendix 1 of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). 

The bill passed the House on a 42-22 vote in February and was signed into law today. 

Michael Dax, New Mexico Representative for Defenders of Wildlife, issued this statement: 

“It is clear that the illegal wildlife trafficking industry is threatening the future of thousands of species and with numerous reports of the extinction crisis facing wildlife, it is critical we act now to end this practice. This bill is a critical step forward toward empowering New Mexico law enforcement to protect endangered species and we are grateful for the state’s leadership on this issue."

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

Media Contact

News

Image
USFWS DevilsHolePupfish

Defenders Celebrates as Mining Company Signals Intent to Leave Ash Meadows

A Canadian mining company with intent to mine lithium near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge appears to have walked away from the project. Defenders of
Image
Lesser Prairie Chicken
Washington, D.C.

FWS Withdraws Land Protection Plan Threatening Endangered Species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced it is withdrawing the final Land Protection Plan for the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge, which established an