[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 50, Volume 1]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 50CFR15.22]

[Page 79-80]
 
                    TITLE 50--WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
 
 CHAPTER I--UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE 
                                INTERIOR
 
PART 15_WILD BIRD CONSERVATION ACT--Table of Contents
 
     Subpart C_Permits and Approval of Cooperative Breeding Programs
 
Sec. 15.22  Permits for scientific research.

    (a) Application requirements for permits for scientific research. 
Each application shall provide the following information and such other 
information that the Director may require:
    (1) A description of the exotic bird(s) to be imported, including:
    (i) The common and scientific names of the species, number, age or 
age class, and, when known, sex; and
    (ii) A statement as to whether, at the time of the application, the 
exotic bird is still in the wild, has already been removed from the 
wild, or was bred in captivity;
    (2) If the exotic bird is in the wild or was taken from the wild, 
include:
    (i) The country and region where the removal will occur or occurred;
    (ii) A description of the status of the species in the region of 
removal; and
    (iii) A copy of any foreign collecting permit or authorizing letter, 
if applicable;
    (3) If the exotic bird was bred in captivity, include:
    (i) Documents or other evidence that the bird was bred in captivity, 
including the name and address of the breeder, and when known, hatch 
date and identity of the parental birds; and
    (ii) If the applicant is not the breeder, documentation showing the 
bird was acquired from a breeder and a history of multiple transactions, 
if applicable:
    (4) A statement of the reasons the applicant is justified in 
obtaining a permit, and a complete description of the scientific 
research to be conducted on the exotic bird requested, including:

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    (i) Formal research protocol with timetable;
    (ii) The relationship of such research to the conservation of the 
species in the wild;
    (iii) A discussion of possible alternatives and efforts to obtain 
birds from other sources; and
    (iv) Plans for disposition of the exotic birds and any progeny upon 
completion of the research project;
    (5) Qualifications of the scientific personnel conducting the 
proposed research, including applicable experience and a description of 
relevant past research conducted;
    (6) A description of the care and maintenance of the exotic bird, 
and how the facility meets professionally recognized standards, 
including;
    (i) The name and address of the facility where the exotic bird will 
be maintained;
    (ii) Dimensions of existing enclosures for the birds to be imported 
and number of birds to be housed in each; and
    (iii) Husbandry practices.
    (b) Issuance criteria. Upon receiving an application completed in 
accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, the Director will decide 
whether or not a permit should be issued. In making this decision, the 
Director shall consider, in addition to the general criteria in part 13 
of this subchapter, the following factors;
    (1) Whether the purpose of the scientific research is adequate to 
justify removing the exotic bird from the wild or otherwise changing its 
status;
    (2) Whether the proposed import would be detrimental to the survival 
of the exotic bird species in the wild, including whether the exotic 
bird was bred in captivity or was (or will be) taken from the wild, 
taking into consideration the conservation status of the species in the 
wild;
    (3) Whether the permit, if issued, would conflict with any known 
program intended to enhance the survival of the population from which 
the exotic bird was or would be removed;
    (4) Whether the research for which the permit is required has 
scientific merit;
    (5) Whether the expertise, facilities, or other resources available 
to the applicant appear adequate for proper care and maintenance of the 
exotic bird and to successfully accomplish the research objectives 
stated in the application.
    (c) Permit conditions. In addition to the general conditions set 
forth in part 13 of this subchapter, every permit issued under this 
section shall be subject to special conditions as the Director may deem 
appropriate.
    (d) Duration of permits. The duration of the import permits issued 
under this section shall be designated on the face of the permit, but in 
no case will these permits be valid for longer than one year.