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For Immediate Release
House passes bill aimed at protecting some of the world's rarest wildlife
Wild cats, rare canids would benefit from legislation
WASHINGTON — The world’s greatest wild cats and dogs have a good reason to roar and howl. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Great Cats and Rare Canids Act (HR 411) aimed at conserving 15 of the world’s rarest wild cats and canids, including the cheetah, clouded leopard, Brazil’s maned wolf and others around the globe.
The House also approved the Crane Conservation Act (H.R. 388), giving cranes around the world something to crow about. The measure would support international conservation programs as well, benefiting at least 13 other species of cranes in Africa, Asia and Europe. With 11 of the world’s 15 crane species facing extinction, cranes are the most endangered bird family in the world.
The following is a statement from Nina Fascione, vice president for field conservation with Defenders of Wildlife.
“It would have been easy to turn down these proposals in such difficult times, but conservation measures like the bills approved today are vital for wildlife around the word. The House of Representatives showed that America has the will to be a conservation leader in protecting some of the world’s most threatened and rare creatures.
“The way that we care for our wildlife says a lot about us as a nation. Representative Jay Inslee and Representative Tammy Baldwin know this well and have done a great service today for the world’s wildlife.
“As this bill moves on to consideration in the Senate, I hope that it will receive the strong bi-partisan support that it found in the House.”
Learn more about Defenders' work on the Great Cats and Rare Canids Act.
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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org.
