Public Comments Sought on Foreign Endangered Species Permits
Published Date: 3/31/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking for public comments on permit applications to work with endangered foreign species. These permits are needed because the law usually bans activities with these animals unless approved. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until April 30, 2025, to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Captive-bred registration for swamp deer and red lechwe
East Texas Ranch (d/b/a Lazy W Ranch) requests a captive-bred wildlife registration under 50 CFR 17.21(g) for swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli) and red lechwe (Kobus leche) to enhance propagation or survival of those species. The registration would cover activities the applicant proposes to conduct over a 5-year period, and comments are due by April 30, 2025.
Permit to cull excess deer and lechwe from captive herd
East Texas Ranch (d/b/a Lazy W Ranch) also requests a permit authorizing the culling of excess swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli) and red lechwe (Kobus leche) from its captive herd to enhance propagation and survival. This activity is proposed to occur over a 5-year period and is listed for public comment through April 30, 2025.
Import of Philippine eagle blood samples
The California Academy of Sciences requests a permit to import blood samples from 20 wild-origin and 16 captive-born Philippine eagles (Pithecophaga jefferyi) to its San Francisco facility for scientific research to help the species' propagation or survival. This request is for a single import and is open for public comment through April 30, 2025.
Export of two Komodo monitors to Canada
The San Antonio Zoo requests a permit to export one male and one female live captive-born Komodo Island monitors (Varanus komodoensis) to Toronto Zoo, Canada, for the purpose of enhancing the species' propagation or survival. This is a single-export request noted in the notice; public comments are due by April 30, 2025.
Import permits for sport‑hunted bontebok trophies
Four named applicants (Guy Gelakoski; Kerry Jones; Michael Anderson; Jesse David Palmer Jr.) request permits to import sport-hunted trophies of male bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) culled from a captive herd in South Africa under that country's management program, for the purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of the species. These import requests are listed for public comment; comments must be received by April 30, 2025.
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: 2025-05437, Marine Mammals; File No. 28728
Sea Shepherd Global wants a 5-year permit to film 13 types of marine mammals in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica for documentaries and education. People can send comments or ask for a public hearing by April 30, 2025. This permit won’t cost the public money but helps protect marine life while sharing cool ocean stories.
Next: 2025-05441, Data Collection Available for Public Comments
The Small Business Administration is updating its SBA Form 1919 to better track business owners and franchises, making it easier to follow new rules and priorities. If you’re applying for a 7(a) loan, you’ll need to provide more detailed info about ownership, including birthdates and citizenship status. Comments on these changes are open until May 30, 2025, so now’s the time to speak up!