[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 50, Volume 1]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 50CFR17.80]

[Page 225-226]
 
                    TITLE 50--WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
 
 CHAPTER I--UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE 
                                INTERIOR
 
PART 17--ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS--Table of Contents
 
                   Subpart H--Experimental Populations
 
Sec. 17.80  Definitions.

    Source: 49 FR 33893, Aug. 27, 1984, unless otherwise noted.


    (a) The term experimental population means an introduced and/or 
designated population (including any off-spring

[[Page 226]]

arising solely therefrom) that has been so designated in accordance with 
the procedures of this subpart but only when, and at such times as the 
population is wholly separate geographically from nonexperimental 
populations of the same species. Where part of an experimental 
population overlaps with natural populations of the same species on a 
particular occasion, but is wholly separate at other times, specimens of 
the experimental population will not be recognized as such while in the 
area of overlap. That is, experimental status will only be recognized 
outside the areas of overlap. Thus, such a population shall be treated 
as experimental only when the times of geographic separation are 
reasonably predictable; e.g., fixed migration patterns, natural or man-
made barriers. A population is not treated as experimental if total 
separation will occur solely as a result of random and unpredictable 
events.
    (b) The term essential experimental population means an experimental 
population whose loss would be likely to appreciably reduce the 
likelihood of the survival of the species in the wild. All other 
experimental populations are to be classified as nonessential.