[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