The ProTECT Act of 2025 (H.R. 1934) would amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to prohibit the taking for trophies and the import of trophies for any endangered or threatened species that are listed under section 4 as threatened, within the United States and the U.S. territorial seas. It also bars the federal government from issuing permits for trophy taking or trophy imports of those threatened species. The bill defines what counts as a "trophy" and adjusts certain antique-related exemptions accordingly. Overall, the measure aims to curb trophy hunting and trade in trophies of threatened species to support conservation and reduce associated illegal wildlife trade dynamics. The bill is motivated by findings that trophy hunting can harm wildlife populations and genetic diversity, may spur poaching, and can feed larger illegal wildlife markets connected to other crimes. It notes that, while endangered species protections exist, those protections do not automatically extend to threatened species, which this act seeks to address.
Key Points
- 1Prohibition on taking for a trophy and importing trophies of threatened species (as listed under section 4) within the United States and the territorial sea.
- 2The Secretary may not issue permits to take for a trophy or to import trophies of threatened species; permits for these actions are effectively barred, even if authorized under other parts of existing law.
- 3Definition of trophy added: a whole dead animal or a readily recognizable part or derivative obtained under a hunting license or other authorization from the relevant jurisdiction.
- 4Antiques provision adjusted: the antique exemption is updated to reflect the new trophy prohibitions, narrowing certain exemptions related to trophies.
- 5Scope is specifically limited to threatened species (not automatically extending protections to endangered species beyond existing law), aiming to close gaps where trophy activity could circumvent protections.