When Were Horseshoe Crabs Designated as Protected Animals?

Since 1991, the Chinese horseshoe crab has been listed in the "Guangxi Key Protected Wildlife List". With the upgrade of the protection level of horseshoe crabs, the "National Key Protected Wildlife List" was officially announced after adjustment on February 5, 2021, and the Chinese horseshoe crab has been upgraded to a national second-class protected animal.

Because horseshoe crabs have become national second-class protected animals, there is finally enough reason to say no to eating horseshoe crabs, no to trading horseshoe crabs, no to capturing horseshoe crabs, and to protect horseshoe crab habitats. The adjusted "National Key Protected Wildlife List" includes a total of 980 species and 8 categories of wild animals, including 234 species and 1 category of national first-class protected wild animals, and 746 species and 7 categories of national second-class protected wild animals. In terms of management system, among the above-mentioned species, 686 species are managed by the forestry and grassland departments as terrestrial wild animals, and 294 species and 8 categories are managed by the fishery departments as aquatic wild animals. Horseshoe crab conservation is now a legal mandate, ensuring these ancient creatures receive the protection they deserve. This means strict penalties for any activities that harm them or their environment. The key is awareness and education to make sure we preserve this vital species.

Timeline of Horseshoe Crab Protection Status

1. In 1991, the Chinese horseshoe crab, was listed in the "Guangxi Key Protected Wildlife List".

2. In 1993, the Chinese horseshoe crab was listed in the "Fujian Key Protected Wildlife List".

3. In 2001, the Chinese horseshoe crab, the Southern horseshoe crab, and the tri-spine horseshoe crab were listed in the "Guangdong Key Protected Aquatic Wildlife List (First Batch)".

4. In 2014, the Chinese horseshoe crab was listed in the "Jiangsu Key Protected Aquatic Wildlife List (First Batch)".

5. In March 2019, the Chinese horseshoe crab's rating on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species was updated from "Data Deficient (DD)" to "Endangered (EN)". This significant change highlights the increasing risk the species faces, signaling a vital need for stronger conservation efforts.

6. On June 19, 2020, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs publicly solicited opinions on the "National Key Protected Wildlife List (Draft for Comment)", in which all species of horseshoe crabs were newly added as national second-class protected animals. This proactive step indicates a firm commitment to their protection.

7. On February 5, 2021, the adjusted "National Key Protected Wildlife List" was officially announced, and the horseshoe crab species (Chinese horseshoe crab, tri-spine horseshoe crab) distributed in China were upgraded to national second-class protected animals. This is a major milestone for horseshoe crab protection in China, and strengthens measures against any form of exploitation or habitat destruction.Source:5D Pet World