Federal Register #FWSHQIA20260298

Public Comment Request: Permits for Activities with Foreign Endangered Species (Zoos, Research, and Conservation)

This notice from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public comments on permit applications for activities involving foreign endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA): - Government Buyer: - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior - Division of Management Authority, Branch of Permits - Applicants include: - Minnesota Zoo, John Ball Zoo, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Henry Vilas Zoo, Turtle Survival Alliance, Turtle Conservancy, Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, and several individuals - Products/Services Requested: - Import of up to 25 live, captive-bred Poweshiek skipperling larvae annually from Assiniboine Park Zoo, Canada (for Minnesota Zoo and John Ball Zoo) - Export of one live, captive-bred female African slender-snouted crocodile to Bristol Zoological Society, UK - Export of two live, captive-bred male African slender-snouted crocodiles to Selwa Adventura, Spain - Export of one live, captive-bred male golden lion tamarin to Zoo de Granby, Canada - Import of up to 1,500 biological samples annually from Testudines species for scientific research (Turtle Survival Alliance) - Captive-bred wildlife registration for Galapagos and radiated tortoises (Turtle Conservancy) - Export and re-import of nonliving museum specimens of endangered species for scientific research (Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History) - Import of sport-hunted trophies of male bontebok from South Africa (multiple individuals) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Activities are for species propagation, survival enhancement, or scientific research - Some permits authorize annual imports/exports over a 5-year period; others are for single events - Quantities specified for certain activities (e.g., 25 larvae per year, 1,500 samples per year) - OEMs/Primary Sources Highlighted: - Assiniboine Park Zoo (Canada) – source of Poweshiek skipperling larvae - Bristol Zoological Society (UK), Selwa Adventura (Spain), Zoo de Granby (Canada) – recipients of exported animals - Place of Performance/Delivery: - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 - The Service will consider all public comments before making permit decisions as required by the ESA.

Description

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invites public comments on applications to conduct activities with foreign species listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless authorized by Federal permits. The applications include requests to import or export live captive-bred endangered species and biological samples for scientific research or to enhance propagation or survival. Comments are accepted until June 15, 2026, and will be considered before permit issuance decisions.

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