Permits and authorizations are required under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for activities that may "take” threatened or endangered species. There are three types of permits that the Service issues for native endangered or threatened species:
Click each link below to expand the section and learn more:
A Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit is required for scientific research on a listed species or for activities to enhance a listed species propagation or survival.
Read about the permit application process.
Examples include abundance surveys, genetic research, relocations, capture and marking, and telemetric monitoring. A permit may also be required to possess tissues and/or body parts of listed species.
For additional information on applying for these permits, please contact the Ecological Services field office in your state.
This type of permit is different than those discussed above. It was developed as a mechanism to promote endangered species conservation on non-federal lands and is used in conjunction with Safe Harbor Agreements and Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances. The enhancement permit, with one of these agreements, allows landowners to improve habitat for listed species without incurring additional restrictions if the size of the area occupied by the species increases or their number increases.
For additional information on applying for these permits, please contact the Ecological Services field office in your state. Read more about Safe Harbor Agreements and Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances.
If you are engaged in an otherwise lawful activity where a listed species may be adversely affected, and the purpose of your activity is not scientific research or enhancement of a listed species, you may need to obtain a Section 10(a)(1)(B) Incidental Take Permit.
Examples of activities that may require an Incidental Take Permit include, but are not limited to: construction and/or development activities or in-stream or watershed activities that may impact listed species.
For additional information on applying for these permits, please contact the ecological field office in your state. General information on the regional habitat conservation plan program can be found at the following link: Incidental Take Permits and Habitat Conservation Plans
NOTE: Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) administers licenses and permits for international wildlife issues and import and export of wildlife. Migratory Bird staff at regional offices administers permits for certain activities with migratory birds and bald and golden eagles.
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