H.R. 10073 — Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act of 2026

This section defines terms for the Act, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora; conservation as the protection and restoration of species and habitats; the Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Fund established in section 5; critically endangered species as those listed by the IUCN as Endangered or Critically Endangered, plus certain Data Deficient or lower-threat species with declining populations or new threats, including their parts, products, eggs, offspring, and carcasses; the Multinational Species Conservation Fund; and the Secretary of the Interior.

This section establishes a competitive grant program that uses amounts in the Fund to provide financial assistance for conserving critically endangered species whose ranges lie wholly or partly outside the United States. It limits eligibility to foreign wildlife authorities and qualified persons or groups, requires proposals to demonstrate matching funds and, where applicable, indigenous consent, restricts captive breeding to release-into-the-wild programs only when no other method is feasible, and directs the Secretary to approve or disapprove proposals within 180 days after required consultations.

This section establishes the Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Fund as a separate account within the Multinational Species Conservation Fund. It authorizes expenditures to carry out section 3, with up to 5 percent or $150,000 (whichever is greater) available each fiscal year for administrative expenses, requires investment of unneeded amounts in interest-bearing United States obligations, and permits acceptance and deposit of donations.

This section directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress on the results and effectiveness of the program under this Act, not later than 1 year after enactment and every 2 years thereafter.