Federal Register #FWS-HQ-IA-2026-2707

Permit Applications for Import and Handling of Foreign Endangered Species and Samples

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under the Department of the Interior, is seeking public comments on multiple permit applications related to foreign endangered species: - Government Buyer: - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Management Authority - Applicants/Organizations: - Tanganyika Wildlife Foundation - Clark R. Bavin National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory - Northern Illinois University - Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project - Emory University - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance - Akron Zoological Park - Arima Genomics Inc. - LWF LLC (Salt Branch Wildlife) - Activities and Services Requested: - Import of two male captive-born cheetahs from African Lion Safari, Canada (for propagation/survival) - Import, export, and re-export of biological samples from captive-born and wild animals/plants for research and conservation (multiple species, 5-year period) - Import of biological samples from Goeldis marmoset (Bolivia), wild gorilla (Uganda), wild chimpanzee (Tanzania), and neotropical otter (Brazil) for scientific research - Import of one female captive-born mandrill and two female captive-born snow leopards from Canada (for propagation/survival) - Registration and culling authorization for captive-bred Arabian oryx and Red lechwe (5-year period) - Import of sport-hunted trophies of male bontebok from South Africa (from captive herd) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - All activities must comply with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) - Public comment is required before permit issuance - Permits cover both single imports and multi-year activities - No specific products, equipment, or OEMs are being procured; the focus is on permitting and regulatory compliance for scientific, conservation, and propagation purposes.

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 details multiple applicants requesting permits for importing or handling endangered species for purposes such as scientific research or enhancing species propagation and survival. Comments on these permit applications are accepted until September 9, 2026.

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