Wildlife around the world is increasingly imperiled by a number of threats including habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, illegal hunting, disease, illegal trade, pollution, and rapid climate change. In addition, there are hazards that specifically impact great cats and rare canids, such as human-wildlife conflict, poaching and illegal wildlife trade, and a diminished prey base.

Representative Jay Inslee (D-WA) authored H.R. 411, The Great Cats and Rare Canids Act, to provide financial resources authorizing up to $5 million to support the conservation of 15 rare cat and canid populations, including lions, leopards, and jaguars. These populations live outside the United States and Europe and are all listed as endangered or threatened on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species.

On April 21, the House passed H.R. 411 by a vote of 290-118 (House roll call vote 194). YES IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE. The Senate Environment & Public Works Committee reported out a companion bill, but the full Senate did not take action.