[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 103 (Tuesday, May 29, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29072-29074]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-13348]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 15

RIN 1018-AG64


Wild Bird Conservation Act; Review of Approved List of Captive-
bred Species

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of review.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 
review of all approved captive-bred species listed in the Approved List 
of Captive-bred Species as provided for in the Wild Bird Conservation 
Act (WBCA) of 1992. The WBCA requires periodic review of the list. The 
purpose of the review is to ensure that the list accurately reflects 
the most current status information for each listed species. We request 
comments that will provide us with the most current scientific and 
trade information available on these listed species as well as similar 
information on species that may warrant consideration for inclusion in 
the list. If inclusion of a species in the list is not consistent with 
the best scientific and trade information available at the conclusion 
of this review, we will change the list accordingly.

DATES: Your comments on this notice of review must be received by July 
30, 2001 to receive consideration by us.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments, information, and questions to the Chief, 
Division of Scientific Authority; Mail Stop: Room 750, Arlington 
Square; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Washington, DC 20240 (Fax 
number: 703-358-2276; E-mail address: [email protected] ). Address 
express and messenger-delivered mail to the Division of Scientific 
Authority; 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 750; Arlington, Virginia 
22203. Comments and materials received will be available for public 
inspection by appointment, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, at the Arlington, Virginia, address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael D. Kreger, Biologist, Division 
of Scientific Authority (See ADDRESSES section) (phone: 703-358-1708, 
fax: 703-358-2276, E-mail: [email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA) was enacted on October 23, 
1992 to promote the conservation of exotic birds listed in the 
appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered 
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) by ensuring that all imports of 
exotic bird species into the United States are biologically sustainable 
and not detrimental to the species; ensuring that imported birds are 
not subject to inhumane treatment during capture and transport; and 
assisting wild bird conservation and management programs in countries 
of origin.

What Is the Approved List of Captive-Bred Species?

    The Approved List of Captive-bred Species under the WBCA is a list 
of bird species that are included in the appendices of the Convention 
on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 
(CITES), and which exist in international trade only as captive-bred 
specimens. The listing criteria are described in 50 CFR 15.31-15.32 and 
the list is presented in 50 CFR 15.33. A WBCA permit is not required if 
an exotic bird species is listed in the Approved List of Captive-bred 
Species. We periodically review and update the list. To be included in 
the list, a species must meet the following criteria:
    (a) All specimens of the species known to be in trade (legal or 
illegal) must be captive bred;
    (b) No specimens of the species may be removed from the wild for 
commercial purposes;
    (c) Any importation of the species must not be detrimental to the 
survival of the species in the wild; and
    (d) Adequate enforcement controls must be in place to ensure 
compliance.

Where Can the Approved List of Captive-Bred Species Be Found?

    The Approved Species List of Captive-bred Species can be found in 
50 CFR 15.33. The list is also available on the World Wide Web at 
http://international.fws.gov/global/wbcaacbs.html. This list contains 
the names of species of captive-bred exotic birds for which importation 
into the United States is not prohibited by the WBCA.

Why Is This Review Being Conducted?

    The procedural rules for listing or removing species from the list 
can be found in 50 CFR 15.31. The WBCA requires that the Secretary of 
the Interior conduct a periodic review of each listed species and, 
after public comment, publish in the Federal Register a list of species 
of exotic birds that are listed in any CITES Appendix and that are not 
subject to a prohibition or suspension of importation by the WBCA based 
on their captive-bred status. The last review was conducted in 1994.

Which Species Are Included on the List?

    Although the WBCA also contains provisions for an approved list of 
wild-caught birds harvested under approved sustainable-use management 
plans, and also allows imports from qualifying overseas breeding 
facilities, those lists

[[Page 29073]]

have not yet been established. The Approved List of Captive-bred 
Species currently contains the following species that are subject to 
this review, although other species may be added if information is 
received to show that they qualify:

Order Falconiiformes:
    Buteo buteo--European buzzard
Order Columbiformes:
    Columba livia--Rock dove
Order Psittaciformes:
    Agapornis personata--Masked lovebird
    Agapornis roseicollis--Peach-faced lovebird
    Aratinga jandaya--Jendaya conure
    Barnardius barnardi--Mallee ringneck parrot
    Bolborhynchus lineola--Lineolated parakeet-blue form
    Bolborhynchus lineola--Lineolated parakeet-yellow form
    Bolborhynchus lineola--Lineolated parakeet-white form
    Cyanoramphus auriceps--Yellow-fronted parakeet
    Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae--Red-fronted parakeet
    Forpus coelestis--Pacific parrotlet-lutino form
    Forpus coelestis--Pacific parrotlet-yellow form
    Forpus coelestis--Pacific parrotlet-blue form
    Forpus coelestis--Pacific parrotlet-cinnamon form
    Melopsittacus undulatus--Budgerigar
    Neophema bourkii--Bourke's parrot
    Neophema chrysostoma--Blue-winged parrot
    Neophema elegans--Elegant parrot
    Neophema pulchella*--Turquoise parrot
    Neophema splendida*--Scarlet-chested parrot
    Nymphicus hollandicus--Cockatiel
    Platycercus adelaide--Adelaide rosella
    Platycercus adscitus--Pale-headed rosella
    Platycercus elegans--Crimson rosella
    Platycercus eximius--Eastern rosella
    Platycercus icterotis--Western (stanley) rosella
    Platycercus venustus--Northern rosella
    Polytelis alexandrae--Princess parrot
    Polytelis anthopeplus--Regent parrot
    Polytelis swainsonii--Superb parrot
    Psephotus chrysopterygius*--Golden-shouldered parakeet
    Psephotus haematonotus--Red-rumped parakeet
    Psephotus varius--Mulga parakeet
    Psittacula eupatria--Alexandrine parakeet-blue form
    Psittacula eupatria--Alexandrine parakeet-lutino form
    Psittacula krameri manillensis--Indian ringneck parakeet
    Purpureicephalus spurius--Red-capped parrot
    Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus--Scaly-breasted lorikeet
Order Passeriformes:
    Aegintha temporalis--Red-browed finch
    Aidemosyne modesta--Cherry finch
    Chloebia gouldiae--Gouldian finch
    Emblema guttata--Diamond sparrow
    Emblema picta--Painted finch
    Lonchura castaneothorax--Chestnut-breasted finch
    Lonchura domestica--Society (Bengalese) finch
    Lonchura pectoralis--Pictorella finch
    Neochmia ruficauda--Star finch
    Poephila acuticauda--Long-tailed grassfinch
    Poephila bichenovii--Double-barred finch
    Poephila cincta--Parson finch
    Poephila guttata--Zebra finch
    Poephila personata--Masked finch
    Serinus canaria--Common canary

    Note: Species with an asterisk (*) are protected by the 
Endangered Species Act and require a permit under that law for 
importation. The golden-shouldered parakeet is also listed in CITES 
Appendix I and is subject to the provisions of CITES, including a 
determination of whether import is for primarily commercial 
purposes.


    Forty-eight species are currently included in the list. Most 
species are Psittaciformes, which includes parrots, macaws, 
budgerigars, parakeets, lovebirds, cockatoos, and similar species. Of 
those, color mutations, such as the blue form of the Pacific parrotlet, 
are included since it is likely that these are captive-bred birds and 
would not have been removed from the wild. The list was established on 
January 24, 1996 (61 FR 2093) and has not been amended since then. 
Since the list was established, however, certain factors (e.g., changes 
in national legislation in range countries) may have altered patterns 
in the exotic bird trade, and captive breeding of some species may have 
improved or declined. We have received comments from aviculturists 
requesting that some captive-bred species, including additional color 
mutations, be added to the list, especially if the range country now 
strictly prohibits exportation of the species. We intend to examine 
these comments and any additional information in response to this 
Notice to determine the current status of species listed, to determine 
whether they should remain on the list, and to determine whether 
additional species should also be included in the list.

How Will We Determine Whether a Species Should Be on the Approved List?

    We will consider the comments received in response to this Notice, 
as well as other relevant information given to us on captive breeding 
and trade in exotic birds. We will then evaluate the species against 
the criteria listed above. A species will be added to the list if it 
meets all of the criteria.

What Could Happen as a Result of This Review?

    If anyone provides us with substantial new information for one or 
more species in the table above, or if we find, as part of our review, 
any other credible new information on these species, we could either 
remove or add a species to the list.

What Will Happen if no New Information Is Submitted on any of the 
Listed Species?

    No changes will be made to the list as a result of this review 
unless substantial information is received. However, we will initiate 
periodic reviews in the future, as resources allow and when new 
information suggests that a review may be warranted.

Request for Information

    We request comments on this Notice of Review from any foreign 
government or agency, the public, other Federal, State, and local 
governmental agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other 
interested party. The comments should provide as much scientific and 
trade information as possible (literature citations, etc.). Submissions 
with detailed information are much more helpful than those that merely 
advocate or state a position, but that contain no biological or trade 
information that would contribute to determining whether species should 
be included in the list. In particular, we are seeking information that 
indicates a need for a change in the status of any of the listed or 
unlisted species based on:
    1. Status of captive breeding;
    2. Whether there is legal trade from the wild;
    3. Whether there is illegal trade from the wild and how much.
    We are also seeking taxonomic and nomenclatural changes as well as 
of occurrences of any new color mutations of the taxa as well as 
suggestions for appropriate common names.
    If possible, this information should be supported by documentation 
such as maps, breeding records, bibliographic references, or copies of 
any pertinent

[[Page 29074]]

publications, reports, or letters by knowledgeable sources.

What if We Receive Extensive Substantive Information on a Large Number 
of Species?

    We will evaluate information received and information in our files 
and determine: (1) whether or not any currently listed species should 
be re-evaluated; and (2) whether or not the listing of any currently 
unlisted species should be considered. Due to limited resources 
available for this effort, our highest priority will be for those 
species whose conservation status in the wild would most benefit from a 
change in their listing status under the WBCA.

    Authority: This document is published under the authority of the 
Wild Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 4901-4916 et seq.).

    Dated: May 15, 2001.
Marshall P. Jones, Jr.,
Acting Director.
[FR Doc. 01-13348 Filed 5-25-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-U