The Government of the Russian Federation adopted Resolutions No. 671 and No. 672, establishing a new mechanism for the taking and circulation of animals listed in the Red Data Book. Unfortunately, we were unable to secure the repeal of these decisions or the removal of their most dangerous provisions.
The adopted rules apply not only to species listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation, but also to animals included in regional Red Data Books. At the same time, authority is effectively fragmented among different government bodies: some decisions on issuing permits may be made at the regional and local levels. This increases the risk of inconsistent application of the rules, dependence on the discretion of local officials, and the weakening of unified federal oversight over the fate of rare species.
A further concern is the creation of a digital system through which permits for the taking of Red Data Book animals may be issued remotely. Digitalization is not a problem in itself; however, in this case it simplifies and scales up the process of removing rare animals from the wild. Instead of isolated exceptions, a permanent administrative mechanism for the large-scale issuance of permits may emerge.
Resolution No. 671 regulates the issuance of permits for the taking of Red Data Book animals, while Resolution No. 672 governs their subsequent circulation, including keeping, transfer, and other actions following their removal from the natural environment. Taken together, these documents create a comprehensive system that makes it possible not only to take rare animals from the wild, but also to legalize their subsequent use.
Despite public support and the appeals that were submitted, we were unable to prevent the adoption of these resolutions. We are closing this initiative without achieving its primary objective, but we will continue to seek maximum transparency in the issuance of permits, the restoration of strict federal oversight, and genuine protection for animals threatened with extinction.
Closed on 01 June, 2026