Development of Permit Policy for Import of Giant Pandas; Suspension of Consideration of Giant Panda Import Permit Applications, and a Review of Existing Policy on Giant Panda Import Permits

요약

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that it is suspending the review and processing of all future import permit applications of giant pandas for temporary exhibition and/or captive- breeding loans until it has completed an evaluation of available information and existing policies and guidelines relating to the import of giant pandas and has published a new panda policy. This will allow the agency to examine the potential impact of future imports on the survival of the giant panda. The Service will consider whether, and if so, how such imports into the United States might contribute to giant panda conservation. Any draft policy or guidelines developed as a result of this review will be published in the Federal Register for public review and comment. A public working meeting or meetings will be used to assist the Service in formulating the draft policy.