Question

What is the Lacey Act, why was it needed, and how is it used to protect wild species?

Short answer

The Lacey Act is a U.S. conservation law prohibiting the trade of illegally sourced wildlife, fish, and plants. It was enacted in 1900 in response to threats of extinction faced by several species due to over-hunting and capture. Today, the Act ensures protection of wild species by sanctioning any trade involving plants or animals in violation of local, national, or international laws.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of the Lacey Act

The Lacey Act is a federal conservation law in the United States that prohibits trade in wildlife, fish, and plants that have been illegally taken, possessed, transported, or sold.

Necessity of the Lacey Act

Understanding why the Act is necessary starts with acknowledging historic problems. At the time of its establishment in 1900, over-hunting, capturing and selling of wildlife was rampant, leading to a threat to several species. Preventing this illegal and unsustainable trade and thus conserving biodiversity was the key driver behind the creation of the Lacey Act.

Protection of Wild Species

The Lacey Act plays a critical role in protecting wild species by making it unlawful to import, export, sell, purchase, or transport in interstate or foreign commerce any plant in violation of the laws of the United States, a State, an Indian tribe, or any foreign law that protects plants.