Federal Register #FWSHQIA20261783

Public Comment Request: Permits for Endangered Species Activities by Zoos and Conservation Organizations

This opportunity involves the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Department of the Interior) seeking public comments on multiple permit applications for activities involving foreign endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). - Government Buyer: - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Policy and Regulations Branch (Department of the Interior) - OEMs and Vendors: - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance - White Oak Conservation - Maryland Zoological Society (Maryland Zoo in Baltimore) - Reid Park Zoological Society - Diamond Sunset Ranches (1871 Ranch) - Steve Martin’s Natural Encounters - Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History - Products/Services Requested: - Export of three captive-born Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) to Colombia (PER25440437) - Export of 70 captive-born Panamanian golden frogs (Atelopus varius zeteki) to Panama (PER27303871) - Import of two captive-born Lar gibbons (Hylobates lar) from Canada (PER32426261) - Re-export of biological samples from one captive-born giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) for research (PER31908582) - Captive-bred wildlife registrations for swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli, PER31876752) and blue-throated macaw (Ara glaucogularis, PER32225941) for 5-year periods - Export and re-import of nonliving museum specimens of endangered species for scientific research (PER25540581, 5-year period) - Culling of excess swamp deer from captive herd (PER31879915, 5-year period) - Import of sport-hunted trophies of male bontebok from South Africa (PER31429303) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Activities are focused on enhancing the propagation or survival of endangered species, scientific research, and captive-bred wildlife management - Several permits cover multi-year periods (5 years), especially for captive-bred wildlife registrations and museum specimen activities - All activities are subject to public comment before permits are issued - OEMs are primarily zoological and conservation organizations, not traditional commercial manufacturers

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 notice requests comments on various permit applications involving the export, import, and re-export of endangered species for scientific research or to enhance propagation or survival. Comments are due by August 26, 2026.

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