482 Natural Resources Systems Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Legislation Governments also protect animals and plants and their habitats. Many acts of legislation have been passed to help protect habitats and the fl ora and fauna within them. • The Lacey Act of 1900 and 2008. It is unlawful to import, export, sell, trade, or use any fi sh, plant, or other wildlife listed in the act. • The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918. It is illegal to hunt, trap, or kill migratory birds as they move between the United States and Canada. • Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929. Created the United States Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) that approved purchase of open land or water areas by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to assist birds in migration. • Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (1934). Anyone over 16 must purchase a stamp to hunt for waterfowl. The proceeds are used for wildlife conservation. • Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972 and 1994. Protects all marine mammals within United States’ waters, Figure 19-22. • Endangered Species Act (ESA), 1973. Works with both domestic and international conservation to prevent the killing of species listed as endangered or threatened. This act provides funds to conserve and protect species as well. • Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA) of 1992. Requires special permits for the importation of wild bird species for zoos, recreation, or personal pets. This act is intended to protect birds at their point of origin, Figure 19-23. Dolores Harvey/Shutterstock.com Figure 19-22. Marine mammals are protected in the United States with exceptions made for Native Alaskans who use some marine mammals as their main food source. Bidru/Shutterstock.com Figure 19-23. Macaws are one of the bird species most commonly poached for pets and zoos. It is now illegal to import macaws without a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.