Fish and Wildlife Seeks Input on Species Permits
Published Date: 3/26/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking the public to share their thoughts on permit applications involving activities with endangered foreign species. These permits are needed because the law usually bans such activities without special approval. Comments must be sent by April 25, 2025, so everyone affected has a chance to weigh in before decisions are made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Public comment deadline on permit applications
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invites the public to comment on permit applications for activities with foreign endangered species. Comments must be received by April 25, 2025, and should be submitted at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS-HQ-IA-2024-0208 or by U.S. mail to the address listed in the notice.
Import of up to 20 piping plover eggs requested
An applicant (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan Field Office) requests authorization to import up to 20 viable eggs salvaged from wild piping plover (Charadrius melodus) nests from Toronto, Canada, annually for the purpose of enhancing propagation or survival. The requested authorization would cover activities over a 5-year period.
Single import: five Siamese crocodiles requested
Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary requests a permit to import five live Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) from Seocheon-gun, Republic of Korea, for the purpose of enhancing propagation or survival. This notification is for a single import.
Import of five captive-born mandrills requested
Metro Richmond Zoo requests a permit to import five live, captive-born mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) from Berlin, Germany, for the purpose of enhancing propagation or survival. This notification is for a single import.
Captive-bred registrations for Arabian oryx and swamp deer
Several applicants (RH Ranch; John Seymour; HPCP Investments LLC) request captive-bred wildlife registrations under 50 CFR 17.21(g) for Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) and/or swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) to enhance propagation or survival. These notifications cover activities to be conducted over 5-year periods.
Permits requested to cull excess captive Arabian oryx and swamp deer
Several applicants (RH Ranch; John Seymour; HPCP Investments LLC) request permits authorizing the culling of excess Arabian oryx and/or swamp deer from captive herds maintained at their facilities, with activities to be conducted over 5-year periods, for the purpose of enhancing propagation or survival of the species.
Museum permit renewal for exporting and re-importing specimens
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County requests renewal of a permit to export and re-import non-living museum specimens of endangered and threatened species previously legally accessioned into the collection for scientific research. The notification covers activities over a 5-year period.
Requests to import sport-hunted bontebok trophies
Multiple named applicants request permits to import sport-hunted trophies of male bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) culled from a captive herd managed under a Republic of South Africa program, for the purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of the species. A list of individual applicants and permit numbers is included in the notice.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14629, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated rules about how they decide which lands become critical habitats for endangered plants and animals. Now, they’ll clearly weigh economic, security, and other impacts before protecting an area, making the process more open and predictable. These changes start August 20, 2026, helping communities and businesses understand when lands might be excluded from protection.
2026-14633, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is updating how it protects threatened plants and animals. Starting August 20, 2026, they’re ending the automatic 'blanket rule' that used to apply to all newly listed threatened species, meaning protections will be more tailored. This change affects landowners, businesses, and conservation groups, aiming for smarter, clearer rules without extra costs or delays.
2026-14299, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the Contiguous U.S. Distinct Population Segment of the Canada Lynx
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated the protected areas for the Canada lynx in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Washington, covering about 14,030 square miles. This change fixes past legal issues and helps keep the lynx’s home safe. The new rule starts on August 17, 2026, and may affect land use and conservation efforts in these states.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-12955, Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of making new rules every year, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years, updating it sooner if needed. This will save time and money, help States, Tribes, and hunters, and keep bird populations safe.
2026-12951, Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of yearly rules, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years but still decide harvest levels annually. This new process saves time and money, helps States and Tribes, and kicks in August 25, 2026—unless big objections come in by July 27.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-05138, State of Connecticut: NRC Staff Assessment of a Proposed Agreement Between the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the State of Connecticut
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is teaming up with Connecticut to review and possibly improve how the state handles nuclear safety rules. This agreement could give Connecticut more control over nuclear materials, helping keep people safe without extra costs or delays. The public has until April 18, 2025, to share their thoughts before the NRC makes a final decision.
Next: 2025-05142, Open Commission Meeting Thursday, March 27, 2025
On March 27, 2025, the FCC will hold a public meeting to discuss new ideas for alternatives to GPS, improve the reliability of Next Generation 911 services, and make wireless 911 caller location more accurate. These changes aim to help everyone who relies on GPS and emergency services stay safe and connected. The meeting is open to the public online, with no cost, and could lead to important updates in how we navigate and call for help.