Governance & Policy
Protected Species
Definition
A protected species is a species whose taking, killing, disturbance, possession, trade or habitat destruction is prohibited or regulated by law. Protection arises from national legislation (such as the US Endangered Species Act or EU Habitats Directive annexes) and international instruments (CITES appendices controlling trade, CMS listings for migratory species), commonly triggered by conservation-status assessment such as the IUCN Red List.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Protected Species” is defined and used.
Source imported for editorial provenance.
Overview
How it is used
The term structures conservation law enforcement, project permitting, biodiversity due diligence and trade control; Red List categories inform but do not themselves create legal protection.
Why it matters
Species protection law is the sharp end of biodiversity policy — the point at which conservation commitments become obligations with penalties.