Comment Now: Permits to Tinker with Endangered Animals Sought
Published Date: 2/24/2026
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 March 26, 2026, to speak up—so don’t miss your chance to help protect these rare creatures!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Sea turtle research import request
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley applied (Permit No. PER21497763) to import samples from four endangered sea turtle species — green, leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead — for scientific research. The application requests authorization for activities to be conducted over a 5-year period.
Zoo exports captive-bred crocodiles
St. Augustine Alligator Farm (Permit Nos. PER21244411 and PER21394921) requested permits to export captive-bred African slender-snouted crocodiles: one male and one female to Selwo Aventura, Spain, and one male to Biotropica Zoological Conservancy, France. Each notification is for a single export to enhance propagation or survival of the species.
Sport-hunt trophy import requests
Nine named applicants requested permits to import sport-hunted trophies of male bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) culled from a captive herd in the Republic of South Africa for the purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of the species. Each request is for importing trophies under the ESA permit process.
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Key Dates
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