Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act of 2026

This legislation establishes a new competitive grant program to provide financial assistance for the conservation of critically endangered species in foreign countries. The Secretary of the Interior will administer this program, which defines "critically endangered species" primarily based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, including species categorized as Endangered or Critically Endangered, and potentially others facing decreasing populations or new threats. This definition also encompasses parts, products, and carcasses of such species. The bill creates the Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Fund within the existing Multinational Species Conservation Fund to finance these grants. Eligible applicants include foreign wildlife management authorities and other groups with demonstrated expertise, though those already receiving specific multinational funding are excluded. Project proposals must demonstrate support from host governments, sensitivity to local resources, and, where applicable, free, prior, and informed consent from indigenous peoples and local communities, along with information on matching funds. Projects approved under this program must aim to recover and sustain viable wild populations, enhance compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), or develop sound scientific information. Permitted activities include habitat protection and restoration, in situ research and monitoring, development of management plans, and enforcement against illegal trade or killing. The program also supports training for law enforcement, human-wildlife conflict resolution, disease research, and community outreach. The Secretary must consult with the host country's government and other federal agencies before approving proposals, giving preference to projects designed for effective, long-term conservation and those with matching funds. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $5,000,000 annually to the Fund for fiscal years 2027 through 2032. A key limitation is that grant funds generally cannot be used for captive breeding unless it is specifically for release into the wild and no other conservation method is biologically or technically feasible. The Secretary is also required to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing the program's results and effectiveness, ensuring transparency and accountability for the conservation efforts supported by this Act.