1 November 2023: The populations of the Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) are in an extremely alarming state. This species is found only in the eastern part of Sulawesi, Indonesia, in an area roughly the size of Lake Murten (Switzerland; 23 sqm). Since its discovery in 1994, the fish has been excessively harvested from threatened coral reefs and ends up in aquariums. Since 2007, it has been classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List. Now, the largest importer, the USA, is considering banning the import and export, and possibly even the national trade of this species to protect it. The USA has initiated a public survey, and support letters can be submitted via QR code until mid-December 2023. Or here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/15/2023-17492/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-proposed-protective-regulations-for-the-threatened
Our letters of 15 October 2023 and 15 December 2023: