[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 24, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 1893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-946]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 16
Review of Information Concerning Brush-Tailed Possums of the
Genus Trichosurus
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is reviewing available
economic and biologic information on brush-tailed possums of the genus
Trichosurus for possible addition to the list of injurious wildlife
under the Lacey Act. Their importation and introduction into the
natural ecosystem of the United States may pose a threat to
agriculture, the health and welfare of human beings, and the welfare
and survival of native wildlife species. Listing Trichosurus spp. as
injurious would prohibit their importation into, or transportation
between, the continental United States, the District of Columbia,
Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession
of the United States with limited exceptions. This notice seeks
comments form the public to aid in determining if a proposed rule is
warranted.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before March 25, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed or sent by fax to the Chief, Division
of Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, 1849 C Street, NW., Mail Stop 840 ARLSQ, Washington, DC 20240,
or FAX (703) 358-2044.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Mangin, Division of Fish and
Wildlife Management Assistance at (703) 358-1718.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a July 11, 1995, letter to the Department
of the Interior, the Texas Animal Health Commission expressed concern
that T. vulpecula posed a threat to agriculture, human health, and
wildlife resources. They requested that the Service take the necessary
steps to prohibit importation of T. vulpecula into the United States.
T. vulpecula is a fur-bearing marsupial native to Australia. In the
1800s, they were introduced into New Zealand to support the fur
industry. They are claimed to be so well established in both countries
that they are considered pests and have considerable impact on
agriculture, humans, and wildlife habitat.
They reportedly carry bovine tuberculosis, which has infected New
Zealand's domestic livestock population. Their diet consists of
vegetation and insects, and they also kill young birds. They have
damaged gardens, orchards, crops, pastures, plantations, and native
forests.
T. vulpecula is extremely common and adaptable. Generally, they can
be found in forested areas, however, they have been located in areas
without trees such as borrows, caves, and buildings. They have been
able to dwell and expand successfully next to humans.
They mainly breed in the spring and autumn and usually produce one
offspring at a time. The young are weaned in about 6 months. Their life
span is estimated at approximately 12 years.
The Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. 42) and implementing regulations in 50 CFR
Part 16 restrict importation into or the transportation of live
wildlife or eggs thereof between the continental United States, the
District of Columbia, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any
territory or possession of the United States of any nonindigenous
species of wildlife determined to be injurious or potentially injurious
to certain interests including those of agriculture, horticulture,
forestry, the health and welfare of human beings and the welfare and
survival of wildlife or wildlife resources of the United States.
However, injurious wildlife may be imported by permit for zoological,
educational, medical, or scientific purposes, or without permit by
Federal agencies solely for their use. If the process initiated by this
Notice results in the addition of genus Trichosurus to the list of
injurious wildlife contained in 50 CFR Part 16, their importation into
the United States would be prohibited except under the conditions, and
for the purposes, described above.
Although the original request was to prohibit importation of T.
vulpecula, other members of genus Trichosurus may pose the same
potential threat. This Notice solicits economic, biologic, or other
information concerning genus Trichosurus. The information will be used
to determine if they are a threat, or potential threat, to those
interests of the United States Delineated above, and thus warrant
addition to the listing of injurious wildlife. The information also
will assist in preparing impact analyses and examining alternative
protective measures under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C.
601).
Lists of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 16
Fish, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Transportation, Wildlife.
This Notice is issued under the authority of Lecey Act (18 U.S.A.
42).
Dated: December 14, 1995.
John Rogers,
Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 96-946 Filed 1-25-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M