LAWS
Below is a list of links and resources regarding laws relevant to taxidermy and trade in animals. The bold text contains the links. By no means is this a comprehensive list, so please be sure to check with your local authorities. I am not a lawyer and do not hold any liability for the behaviors of others.
Click here for a collaborative Google Doc with a list of laws.
US LAWS
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service regulates all US wildlife. This site has each law, act, and information and applications for permits and import/export licenses.
CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulates the movement of endangered species across borders. Anything CITES listed likely requires paperwork and/or permits of some sort, varying based on which appendix (I, II, or III). This website helps determine which species are listed where. This website lists protected butterflies.
The IUCN Redlist has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus and plant species. It does not list regulations like CITES, ESA, or MBTA, but it’s helpful in learning current and future status of different species.
The MBTA (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) protects most birds in the US. Please note other countries may have different laws. The website linked explain what the MBTA is, and what species are protected by it.
The ESA (Endangered Species Act) protects and recovers imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. Find a list of protected species here.
The Lacey Act became the first federal law protecting wildlife. It enforces penalties for the illegal trade of animals and plants, and regulates the import of any species protected by international or domestic law and prevents the spread of invasive, or non-native, species.
The USFWS Import/Export Page also lists species that the USFWS considers domesticated animals, and do not requiring of permits to import and export.
Learn about the Marine Mammal Protection Act here and get a species specific list of protected animals here.
The Dog and Cat Protection Act regulates the trade of domestic animal remains. You can also read more about the act here.
Lupa Greenwolf's Animal Parts Laws website is a fantastic resource for animal part laws, especially as it applies state-by-state. Please support Lupa’s Patreon to keep her law page going.
Species Plus is also useful searchable resource.
EDECS Species Search is a site where you can enter a species, and see any major laws applicable to it.
NYS Dead Endangered Species Permit for pieces that predate the formation of the ESA.
CANADA LAWS
Here is Canada's version of the MBTA, a list of both protected and non protected species
Here is a link to Alberta’s Laws on found dead animals
EUROPEAN UNION
The European List of protected and regulated birds
UK LAWS
COMING SOON
SOUTH AMERICA LAWS
COMING SOON
AUSTRALIA LAWS
COMING SOON
ASIA LAWS
COMING SOON
AFRICA LAWS
COMING SOON