Houston, we have a problem . . .

USF&W is seizing or refusing to clear leopard imports based on the failure of the exporting country to list ON THE EXPORT PERMIT the annual quota (ie 500) AND the number against the quota that each specimen represents (ie 224). Until the exporting states get this exactly right, your leopard trophy could be seized once it arrives.

As usual, there is very little guidance on this issue and the various inspectors at the various ports are applying the rule differently. Some are seizing the trophies, period. Others are refusing to clear the trophies and requiring the hunter to reexport, correct the paperwork, and re-import. Others, apparently, are still letting some of the cats clear and come into the country.

John Jackson is meeting with the Chief Enforcement Officer of USF&W next week sp we may have some clarity at that time. Until then, if I had a shipment with a panthera pardus in it, I'd try to put it on hold.

Gents

Please see my post under "Importing Leopard"

Andy Hunter