Twelve species of parrots ranging in location from Latin America and the Caribbean to Indonesia will undergo an in-depth status review following receipt of a petition to protect 14 species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was published in todays Federal Register.
The petition provides adequate evidence to suggest that ESA protection may be warranted for the following 12 parrot species: Blue-headed macaw, crimson shining parrot, great green macaw, grey-cheeked parakeet, hyacinth macaw, military macaw, Philippine cockatoo, red-crowned parrot, scarlet macaw, white cockatoo, yellow-billed parrot, and yellow-crested cockatoo.
Friends of Animals filed a petition in January of 2008 requesting the listing of 14 parrot species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). One of the 14 species, the thick-billed parrot, has been protected as “endangered” since 1973 when the ESA was first passed, and does not require further review. The blue-throated macaw was previously petitioned by the International Council for Bird Preservation and added to the list of candidates for ESA protection.
The primary factors causing the population decline in the parrot species include low reproductive rates, habitat destruction and loss, and the lack of anti-poaching enforcement. The Service has concluded the petition presents adequate scientific information warranting a comprehensive status review and is soliciting all available scientific and commercial data.
Addition of a foreign species to the Federal list of threatened and endangered species places restrictions on the importation of either the animal or its parts. Listing also serves to heighten awareness of the importance of conserving these species among foreign governments, conservation organizations and the public.
The Service will accept comments and information concerning the species from interested parties for 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register. Comments may be submitted at the Federal eRulemaking Portal, http://www.regulations.gov. (Follow the instructions on the Web page for submitting comments). To deliver written comments by U.S. mail or hand-delivery, address to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: RIN 1018-AV75; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203. The Service is not able to accept email or faxes. All comments except anonymous comments will be posted on http://www.regulations.gov. Comments, along with personal identifying information such as an address, telephone number, email address or other personal identifying information will be posted along with your comments.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit /www.fws.gov.
