Translated with AI
The Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan has officially proposed upgrading the striped hyena's status from Appendix III to Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This was reported by the committee's press service.
The committee said the decision would ensure stronger global enforcement, attract vital funding, and provide the robust protections needed to prevent the species' future extinction.
"The striped hyena faces a real threat of extinction in the future if we don't act decisively now. Population declines, illegal trade, habitat loss, and conflict with humans make this species extremely vulnerable. To promote collective action, a joint event with our Uzbek colleagues will be held in Samarkand on November 27 to discuss this issue," the committee noted.
The striped hyena was previously thought to be extinct in Tajikistan. However, thanks to the efforts of conservationists, the species has been rediscovered in the country.
The committee explained: "While the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the species as 'near threatened,' new data from range countries confirms rapid population decline, meeting CITES criteria for threatened species. Listing the species on Appendix I will prohibit commercial trade, eliminate existing loopholes, and provide the international recognition and protection it desperately needs. The current Appendix III offers limited protection."
The striped hyena is a rare species listed in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Tajikistan (2015, 2017). Its presence in the country is extremely rare. Its habitat covers southern and southeastern Tajikistan, and the species is included in the list of protected animals in the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve.
