What is the first federal law aimed at protecting wildlife?

The Lacey Act is recognized as the first federal law in the United States aimed at protecting wildlife. Enacted in 1900, it was designed to address the illegal trafficking of animals and plants, setting a precedent for wildlife conservation legislation. The Lacey Act prohibits the trade of wildlife, fish, and plants that have been taken illegally and provides mechanisms for enforcement and penalties. This early legislative effort laid the foundation for later protections and regulations aimed at conserving wildlife populations and their habitats.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, although significant, was established later in 1918 and specifically focuses on the protection of migratory birds. The Endangered Species Act came even later in 1973, addressing the conservation of species that are endangered or threatened. The Wildlife Conservation Act, while also important, was enacted after the Lacey Act and focuses primarily on the funding for fish and wildlife conservation programs. Thus, the Lacey Act stands out as the initial federal legal framework devoted specifically to the protection of wildlife.