The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is urging global leaders to list the species under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) for stronger protections. The Society estimates that only 5,000 to 9,999 striped hyenas remain globally, with populations declining drastically across their range. Habitat loss, human conflict, and illegal killing are driving these animals into isolated, vulnerable populations. If adopted, a dual CMS listing could enforce stricter protections and improve the prospects for these populations. The species is currently listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List, which masks regional collapses and gives a false impression of security. The WCS argues that acting now is the only way to prevent irreversible extinction.