Mueller noted that California is not conceding anything by agreeing to the temporary restraining order and may continue to enforce laws barring the importation of alligator and crocodile bodies and body parts that are forbidden under the Endangered Species Act. American alligators are one of only two alligator species. Chinese alligators are one of the world's most endangered crocodilians but American alligators are thriving, partly with help from alligator farmers. American alligators were removed from the U.S. endangered species list in 1987. “California has nevertheless attempted to destroy the market for American alligator products notwithstanding the fact that no such alligators live in California,” the lawsuit said.

Source: International New York Times December 27, 2019 23:37 UTC