Which federal law is recognized as the first to protect wildlife?

The Lacey Act is recognized as the first federal law aimed at protecting wildlife in the United States. Enacted in 1900, it was primarily designed to combat the illegal trade in wildlife and plants. The law prohibits the trade of wildlife, fish, and plants that have been taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of state or federal laws. This was significant because it provided a legal foundation for addressing issues related to wildlife trafficking and conservation at a federal level, setting a precedent for future wildlife protection laws.

The other laws mentioned, while critical to wildlife conservation, were enacted later or focused on specific aspects of wildlife protection. The Endangered Species Act, for example, was established in the 1970s to provide a framework for the conservation of species at risk of extinction, while the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, enacted in 1918, specifically protects migratory bird species through international agreements. The concept of wildlife protection was evolving, but the Lacey Act stands out as the pioneering legislation in this domain, making it a crucial part of U.S. conservation history.