There is an article on p. 1 of the 12/21 New York Times which states that on 12/28/15 USFWS will declare lions in central and west Africa to be endangered and those in east and south Africa (Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and RSA) to be threatened. Report states that only 900 lions are left in central and west Africa.

Let the experts ( I am not one.) comment.

I just sat down in the Delta Club and saw the same thing. The title of the story is "US Moves to Protect Lions After Cecil Furor."

And CITIES?

Is there a link to this statement?

I really cannot speak for Central and West Africa, I do know that some lion hunting takes place in Burkina but relatively little. But in Botswana it's not the lions that are threatened, it's the livestock. In RSA, they must be excluding the hundreds of bred lions when they say threatened. And in Zim in recent years, the buffalo have the short end of the stick not the lions.

The real issue with lions is habitat and human encroachment. Stopping hunting is not going to change that.

This is just another Obama "parting shot", payoff to his base.I mean now that he has defeated ebola, contained ISIS, and "saved the planet" from global warming, he can focus on the rest of the world's problems.

Hey, how about paying the bill Mr President? Or are you leaving that to the "future generations" you are so fond of?

http://www.freerepublic.com/fo...f-chat/3375198/posts

The Obama administration's decision to extend Endangered Species Act protections for two breeds of lions is a turning point for the lions now roaming Africa, advocacy groups say. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service signaled in a document obtained by the Associated Press that it would classify the lion as threatened or endangered across its entire range in Africa. The agency has scheduled a noon conference call to discuss its findings. The Humane Society of the United States projects that American trophy hunters imported 5,647 lions in the past decade. The group's president and CEO, Wayne Pacelle, said he expects

http://www.fws.gov/news/ShowNe...and-india-&_ID=35403



Press Release
Endangered Species Act Listing Protects Lions in Africa and India, Director’s Order Strengthens Wildlife Import Restrictions for Violators of Wildlife Laws
December 21, 2015

Contact(s):
USFWS Public Affairs
703-358-2220
publicaffairs@fws.gov


In response to the dramatic decline of lion populations in the wild, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today announced it will list two lion subspecies under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Panthera leo leo, located in India and western and central Africa, will be listed as endangered, and Panthera leo melanochaita, located in eastern and southern Africa, will be listed as threatened.

Concurrent with this listing rule, to protect lions and other foreign and domestic wildlife from criminal activity, Service Director Dan Ashe also issued a Director’s Order to strengthen enforcement of wildlife permitting requirements. The order, which aligns with President Obama’s National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking, will ensure that violators of wildlife laws are not subsequently granted permits for future wildlife-related activities, including the import of sport-hunted trophies.

In the last 20 years, lion populations have declined by 43 percent due to habitat loss, loss of prey base, and retaliatory killing of lions by a growing human population. Coupled with inadequate financial and other resources for countries to effectively manage protected areas, the impact on lions in the wild has been substantial.

“The lion is one of the planet’s most beloved species and an irreplaceable part of our shared global heritage,” said Ashe. “If we want to ensure that healthy lion populations continue to roam the African savannas and forests of India, it’s up to all of us – not just the people of Africa and India – to take action.”

In March 2011, the Service received a petition to list the African lion subspecies (P. l. leo) as endangered under the ESA. In October 2014, the Service published a 12-month finding and proposed a rule to list the African lion as threatened with a special rule under section 4(d) of the ESA.

Based on newly available scientific information on the genetics and taxonomy of lions, the Service assessed the status of the entire lion species and subsequently changed its earlier finding.

The new science resolved that the western and central populations of African lion are more genetically related to the Asiatic lion. These lions are now considered the same subspecies, P. l. leo. There are only about 1,400 of these lions remaining; 900 in 14 African populations and 523 in India. Considering the size and distribution of the populations, population trends and the severity of the threats, the Service has found that this subspecies meets the definition of endangered under the ESA.

The subspecies of P. l. melanochaita likely numbers between 17,000-19,000 and is found across southern and eastern Africa. The Service determined that this subspecies is less vulnerable and is not currently in danger of extinction. However, although lion numbers in southern Africa are increasing overall, there are populations that are declining due to ongoing threats. As a result, the Service finds the subspecies meets the definition of a threatened species under the ESA.

With an endangered listing, imports of P. l. leo will generally be prohibited, except in certain cases, such as when it can be found that the import will enhance the survival of the species. To further strengthen conservation measures for the threatened P. l. melanochaita, the Service is also finalizing a rule under section 4(d) of the ESA to establish a permitting mechanism regulating the import of all P. l. melanochaita parts and products, including live animals and sport-hunted trophies, into the United States. The process will ensure that imported specimens are legally obtained in range countries as part of a scientifically sound management program that benefits the subspecies in the wild.

The final 4(d) rule will allow the Service to support changes that strengthen the governance and accountability of conservation programs in other nations. Well-managed conservation programs use trophy hunting revenues to sustain lion conservation, research and anti-poaching activities.

“Sustainable trophy hunting as part of a well-managed conservation program can and does contribute to the survival of the species in the wild, providing real incentives to oppose poaching and conserve lion populations,” said Ashe. “Implementing a permit requirement will give us the authority we need to work with African countries to help them improve their lion management programs.”

Permits would also be required for scientific purposes, activities that enhance the propagation or survival of the subspecies in the wild, zoological exhibitions, educational purposes or other purposes consistent with the ESA.

Through the Director’s Order, the Service is redoubling its efforts to ensure that the world’s rarest species are protected from those who violate wildlife laws. The Service has the authority to deny future permit applications for activities such as sport-hunted trophy imports to anyone who has previously been convicted of or pled guilty to violations of wildlife laws. The order will ensure that this authority will be exercised to the fullest extent.

“Importing sport-hunted trophies and other wildlife or animal parts into the United States is a privilege, not a right; a privilege that violators of wildlife laws have demonstrated they do not deserve,” said Ashe. “We are going to strengthen our efforts to ensure those individuals – people who have acted illegally to deprive our children of their wildlife heritage – are not rewarded by receipt of wildlife permits in the future.”

The Service is also working to increase the fees it charges for these permit applications. Application fees facilitate the permit review process, including the evaluation of sport hunting programs to determine whether permits for the import of trophies may be granted. If finalized, the Service estimates an increase in permit fees could result in full cost recovery for the permitting program that would be used to make the necessary determinations.

The final lion rule will publish in the Federal Register on December 23, 2015, and will go into effect 30 days after publication on January 22, 2016. For more information, a copy of the final rule and Director’s Order, please visit: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-do/lion.html.

The ESA provides numerous benefits to foreign species, primarily by prohibiting certain activities including import, export, commercial activity, interstate commerce and foreign commerce. By regulating these activities, the United States ensures that people under the jurisdiction of the United States do not contribute to the further decline of listed species. Since 1973, the ESA has prevented the extinction of more than 99 percent of the species listed as threatened or endangered. In addition, more than 30 once endangered or threatened species have been delisted due to recovery, including the bald eagle, American alligator and peregrine falcon. Others, such as the manatee, whooping crane and California condor, have been pulled back from the edge of extinction.

To learn more about the Endangered Species program’s Branch of Foreign Species, visit: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/...onal-activities.html.

http://www.fws.gov/endangered/...on_FL_FAQs_Final.pdf



Frequently Asked Questions
Final Rule Listing Two Subspecies of Lion
under the Endangered Species Act
About the Decision
What action is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service taking?
Following review of the best available scientific and commercial information, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife (Service) is listing the two subspecies of lion under the Endangered Species Act (ESA),
Panthera leo leo, located in India and western and central Africa, as an endangered species and
Panthera leo melanochaita, located in eastern and southern Africa, as a threatened species.
The Service is also finalizing a rule under section 4(d) of the ESA for P. l. melanochaita. The 4(d)
rule will provide conservation measures for this subspecies by establishing a permitting mechanism
for the importation of sport-hunted P. l. melanochaita trophies that will ensure hunting contributes to
the survival of the species in the wild. The Service found that sport-hunting may provide a benefit to
the subspecies if well managed, however, recent information received during the public comment
period indicates that not all trophy hunting programs are providing benefits to the subspecies. The
Service wants to ensure that U.S. trophy imports originate from countries with a scientifically sound
management program and provide funds that further lion conservation.
With an endangered listing, all imports of P. l. leo will be generally prohibited, except when it can be
found that the import will have a benefit to the species.
The final lion rule will publish in the Federal Register on December 23, 2015, and will go into effect
30 days after publication on January 22, 2016. For more information on the two subspecies of lion,
including a copy of the final rule, please visit: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-do/lion.html.
What is different between the proposed and final rule to list lions?
The Service received new information from the International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) that the western and central populations of lions are genetically closely related to the
currently endangered Asiatic lion (formerly the endangered Panthera leo persica), and the IUCN has
named this subspecies Panthera leo leo. The IUCN also found that the southern and eastern
populations of lions are now their own subspecies, Panthera leo melanochaita. The Service has
determined the two subspecies of lion qualify for different statuses under the ESA.
About Lions: Range and Population
Why is the Service proposing to list one subspecies, P. l. leo, as endangered and the other
subspecies, P. l. melanochaita, as threatened?
The Service received new information on population numbers for both subspecies. There are only a
total of about 1,423 P. l. leo left: 900 in 14 populations in western and central Africa, and only 523 in
India. Conversely, there are approximately 17,000-19,000 P. l. melanochaita found in southern and
eastern Africa.
After reviewing the best scientific and commercial data available, the Service found the lion is
impacted by a number of factors actively contributing to its population decline throughout Africa and
Asia. The three main threats are habitat loss (fragmentation and degradation), loss of prey base and
human-lion conflict. The Service found that the only population of this subspecies found in India,
though currently stable, is still facing threats and is highly vulnerable to stochastic (random) events,
such as weather, fire, disease and other potentially devastating forces. If regional trends continue at its
current rate, western and central Africa will likely lose a third of its population in five years and half
the population in 10 years. Given the threats are acting on such a small number of P. l. leo the Service
has determined that this subspecies meets the definition of an endangered species under the ESA.
Between 1993 and 2014, the population of P. l. melanochaita in eastern Africa declined by 59
percent. In southern Africa the lion population increased by 8 percent during the same time period;
however, one of the largest populations, Okavango, and 6 unfenced reserves in Botswana, Namibia
and Zimbabwe declined. However, eastern Africa is likely to lose a third of its population in 20 years
and half the population in 30 years. Many of the increasing southern African populations are in small,
fenced and intensely managed areas that have already reached carrying capacity.
Additionally, the human population, and thus negative impacts to lion associated with it, is expected
to increase substantially by 2050; impacts of climate change are projected to manifest as early as
2040. Due to a larger population and greater number of populations, the Service believes this
subspecies is less vulnerable to threats and is not currently in danger of extinction. However, the
Service found that this subspecies is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.
Therefore, the agency is listing P. l. melanochaita as threatened.
About the 4(d) Rule
Why does P. l. melanochaita need a 4(d) rule?
The Service is adding a 4(d) rule for P. l. melanochaita in order to create a permitting mechanism.
During the public comment period the Service found that not all trophy hunting programs are
scientifically based or managed in a sustainable way. This 4(d) rule creates a permitting mechanism to
regulate the import of all P. l. melanochaita parts and products, including live animals and sporthunted
trophies, into the United States to ensure that imported specimens are legally obtained in a
manner that is consistent with the purposes of the ESA and the conservation of the subspecies in the
wild. It will allow for the importation of P. l. melanochaita provided they are permitted by the Service
as originating from countries with effective lion conservation programs.
This 4(d) rule is intended to promote additional conservation efforts by authorizing only activities that
would provide a direct or indirect benefit to lions in the wild. By providing incentives through the
permitting process to countries and individuals who are actively contributing to lion conservation, the
agency will be able to leverage a greater level of conservation than might otherwise be available.
The 4(d) rule will supersede the import exemption found in 50 CFR 17.8 for threatened wildlife listed
in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES), such that a threatened species import permit under 50 CFR 17.32 is now required for
the importation of all P. l. melanochaita specimens.
Therefore, section 9(c)(2) of the ESA for the otherwise lawful importation of wildlife listed in
Appendix II of CITES that is not an endangered species does not apply to this subspecies. Under this
4(d) rule, all otherwise prohibited activities, including all imports of P. l. melanochaita specimens,
require prior authorization or permits under the ESA.
Will a permit be required to import a sport-hunted P. l. melanochaita trophy?
Yes. While there is evidence that many of the range countries have implemented or will implement
best management practices, the Service wants to promote those practices to the extent it can. By
requiring import permits, the agency can ensure these imports enhance the conservation of this lion
subspecies in the range countries by supporting well-managed, scientifically based conservation
programs that include trophy hunting of lions. For additional information on importing sport-hunted
trophies, please visit http://www.fws.gov/internation...hunted-trophies.html.
African lions (includes all lions in Africa under the taxonomic classification currently used by
CITES) are also listed in Appendix II of CITES. As such, a CITES export permit is required from
the country where the trophy was taken. Contact the CITES authorities in that country for
additional information and instruction. Click here for a list of national CITES contacts.
What criteria must be met for the Service to consider issuing a permit for the import of a
sport-hunted P. l. melanochaita trophy?
The permitting program would allow importation of sport-hunted P. l. melanochaita trophies only
from range countries that have management programs that are based on scientifically sound data and
are being implemented to address the threats that are facing lions within that country.
Such management programs would be expected to address, but are not limited to: evaluating
population levels and trends; the biological needs of the species; quotas; management practices; legal
protection; local community involvement; and use of hunting fees for conservation. In evaluating these
factors, the Service will work closely with the range countries and interested parties to obtain the best
available scientific and commercial data. By allowing entry into the United States of P. l.
melanochaita sport-hunted trophies from range countries that have scientifically based management
programs, the range countries would be encouraged to adopt and financially support the sustainable
management of lions that benefits both the species and local communities.
Is the Service allowing hunting of threatened P. l. melanochaita?
The 4(d) rule does not regulate hunting of P. l. melanochaita, but rather prohibits imports of sporthunted
P. l. melanochaita. Hunting, or take, of a wholly foreign species in its native country is not
regulated by the ESA because the action is not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
Regardless of U.S. import regulations, sport hunters are able to participate in P. l. melanochaita hunts
in countries that allow it. However, many lions are taken by U.S. hunters, and conditioning the
continued importation of sport-hunted trophies upon a demonstration that they originate from a country
with a scientifically sound management program will encourage effective management for the species
in the wild. In addition, a scientifically based management program that includes sport hunting can
provide economic incentives for the range country and local communities to protect and expand lion
populations and habitat.
What measures are in place to ensure that P. l. melanochaita sport-hunted trophies would not
enter into illegal trade?
In the United States, CITES-implementing regulations clearly state that an Appendix-II, threatened
species sport-hunted trophy may only be used for non-commercial purposes. Selling such a trophy after
import constitutes a violation of the ESA. Import, export, re-export and foreign and interstate
commerce of lions is prohibited without a permit to ensure that any lions or their parts or products,
including hunting trophies, do not illegally enter into commerce. ESA violations carry a maximum
penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine; conviction under the Lacey Act is punishable by a
prison term of up to five years and a $250,000 fine.
What does the Service consider in making enhancement findings for the import of sport-hunted
trophies?
To determine whether to allow such imports, the Service considers factors such as the biological needs
of the species; possible threats to the populations; current population estimates; management
programs; legal protection (for sport-hunted trophies this includes hunting regulations and any
applicable quotas); local community involvement; and, if any funds are generated by the import, how
those funds are used for conservation. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that sport hunting is
part of an overall conservation program supported by strong governance and management practices.
By allowing imports from countries that are making strong efforts to conserve their lions, the Service
will promote these countries’ programs over those less willing to address long-term lion conservation.
How long will it take to process an application for the import of a sport-hunted P. l.
melanochaita trophy?
Although the issuance of permits may initially be delayed because the Service lacks the necessary
information on which to judge whether a country’s management program for lions provides sufficient
enhancement, we are already seeking information on P. l. melanochaita management programs of the
range countries and will strive to make the required determinations as quickly as possible. If the agency
has the necessary information from the range country where the hunting will occur, we are generally
able to process permits within 45 to 60 days from the time of application.
About the Director’s Order
Concurrent with this listing rule, to protect lions and other foreign and domestic wildlife from criminal
activity, Service Director Dan Ashe is issuing a Director’s Order to strengthen enforcement of wildlife
permitting requirements. The order will ensure that violators of wildlife laws are not subsequently
granted permits for future wildlife-related activities, including the import of sport-hunted trophies.
On February 11, 2014, President Obama issued the first National Strategy for Combating Wildlife
Trafficking. One of the three strategic priorities of the strategy is to strengthen domestic and global
enforcement, including assessing related laws, regulations, and enforcement tools.
This order, consistent with the strategy, establishes policy and procedure for Service employees to
assert full legal and regulatory authority to deny wildlife violators the ability to obtain wildlife permits,
certificates and licenses issued under 50 CFR part 13.
The Service will consider all relevant facts or information available, including relevant violations of a
federal, state, foreign or tribal law or regulation related to or governing the activity for which they are
applying, and may make independent inquiry or investigation to verify information or substantiate
qualifications asserted by the applicant.
The Service’s general permitting regulations 50 CFR part 13 state, in part, in 50 CFR 13.21(b), that
upon receipt of a properly executed application for a permit, the Director shall issue the appropriate
permit unless:
1) The applicant has been assessed a civil penalty or convicted of any criminal provision of any
statute or regulation relating to the activity for which the application is filed, if such assessment
or conviction evidences a lack of responsibility;
2) The applicant has failed to disclose material information required, or has made false statements
as to any material fact, in connection with his application;
3) The applicant has failed to demonstrate a valid justification for the permit and a showing of
responsibility;
4) The authorization requested potentially threatens a wildlife or plant population; or
5) The Director finds through further inquiry or investigation, or otherwise, that the applicant is
not qualified.
In addition, 50 CFR 13.21(c) states in part, in 50 CFR 13.21(c)(1), a person is disqualified from
receiving or exercising the privileges of a permit under 50 CFR part 13 if there has been a conviction,
or entry of a plea of guilty or declining to contend, for a felony violation of the Lacey Act, the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act or the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, unless such disqualification
has been expressly waived by the Director in response to a written petition.
The Service will strictly implement and enforce all criteria under the general permitting requirements
in 50 CFR part 13, particularly the sections referenced above, and with special emphasis on permitting
associated with species listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act or in
Appendix I of CITES.
For a copy of the Director’s Order, please visit: http://www.fws.gov/policy/do212.html. This order is
effective immediately as of December 9, 2015.
About Permitting: Import, Export and Interstate Movement
Does the United States issue permits for the import of other sport-hunted trophies of endangered
or threatened species?
Yes. Under the ESA, otherwise prohibited activities may be permitted if the Service finds that the
activity will enhance the propagation or survival of the affected species and is found to be consistent
with the purpose of the law. The Service has found that the import of trophies of bontebok, an
endangered antelope from South Africa, and black rhinoceros from Namibia, also listed as endangered,
as well as African elephants, leopards and straight-horned markhor – all threatened species – can
benefit those species by supporting the overall species management programs established within the
species’ native range. As a result, the Service has issued import permits for these species.
Will a permit be required for the import of P. l. melanochaita for zoological or scientific
purposes? What about personal effects made of lion products?
Yes. Under this 4(d) rule any person wishing to import P. l. melanochaita specimens, including
live animals, parts and products, for any purpose, must first obtain a permit under the Service’s
regulations for threatened species, 50 CFR 17.32. Permits or authorization to carry out an
otherwise prohibited activity could be issued for scientific purposes, the enhancement of
propagation or survival of the species, economic hardship, zoological exhibitions, educational
purposes, or special purposes consistent with the purposes of the Act.
Will activities with P. l. melanochaita other than import require a permit?
Yes. Under this 4(d) rule, a permit under the ESA must be obtained from the Service’s Division of
Management Authority to conduct the following activities:
• import into the United States,
• export from the United States,
• take within the United States, and
• interstate and foreign commerce.
Under the Service’s regulations for threatened species, 50 CFR 17.32, permits or authorization to
carry out an otherwise prohibited activity could be issued for scientific purposes, the enhancement
of propagation or survival of the species, economic hardship, zoological exhibitions, educational
purposes, or special purposes consistent with the purposes of the Act.
What activities with P. l. leo will require a permit?
For foreign endangered species, a permit under the ESA must be obtained from the Service’s
Division of Management Authority to conduct any activities prohibited under the ESA. This
includes:
• import into the United States,
• export from the United States,
• take within the United States, and
• interstate and foreign commerce.
Permits for endangered species may be issued only for scientific purposes that benefit the species
in the wild, or to enhance the propagation or survival of the affected species. Beneficial actions that
have been shown to support or enhance survival of P. l. leo include habitat restoration and research
on the subspecies in the wild that contributes to improved management and recovery.
How do I apply for a permit for an exception to conduct otherwise prohibited activities
with P. l. leo or P. l. melanochaita for purposes consistent with the ESA?
For import, export, interstate and foreign commerce and take, submit application 3-200-37 to the
Division of Management Authority (address below), available from http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-
200-37.pdf.
For import of a P. l. melanochaita sport-hunted trophy, submit application 3-200-20 to the
Division of Management Authority (address below), available from http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-
200-20.pdf.
Will interstate movement of lions require a permit?
The ESA does not regulate the non-commercial movement (e.g., loans, transfers, donations) of
lawfully acquired ESA-listed species from one state to another. However, a prior authorization in
the form of a permit now will be required if interstate movement will take place in the course of
interstate commerce (selling a lion or their parts or products across state lines or to a resident of
another state).
Captive-Bred Wildlife Registration
What is a Captive-Bred Wildlife (CBW) registration?
CBW registration holders are authorized by the general permit at 50 CFR 17.21(g) to conduct
recurring interstate commerce and take activities that would otherwise be prohibited under the ESA
with living, exotic wildlife born and held in captivity in the United States for conservation breeding
purposes consistent with the ESA. The program was developed to streamline federal permit
requirements for eligible activities.
A CBW registration may be issued only when applicants demonstrate activities with covered
wildlife will serve the principal purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of the species,
particularly through conservation breeding, and that they have appropriate qualifications,
experience, facilities and sufficient space. This includes those holding surplus stock as part of a
Species Survival Plan or other bona fide conservation breeding program. Authorized activities may
be conducted only with other registrants who are authorized for the same species. Registrants must
report activities and current ESA-listed inventory to the Service each year.
For more information, see the Service’s fact sheet on CBW registration:
http://www.fws.gov/internation...gered-speciesact.pdf.
What about zoos, sanctuaries and other facilities that hold lions? Will they need a permit to
continue to hold these animals?
Permits are not required to hold legally acquired lions in captivity or for normal husbandry
practices for maintaining the health of the animal. However, if a facility wishes to engage in
interstate or foreign commerce, take (such as research activities that may harass or harm the
animal), or import or export activities with lions, a prior authorization in the form of a permit will
be required (see below). Facilities seeking to engage in interstate commerce for the purpose of
conservation breeding may meet the criteria for a CBW registration.
How do I apply for CBW registration?
Submit application form 3-200-41, available from http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-41.pdf , with
the processing fee. Instructions are on the form.
Should CBW registrants who hold lions apply to amend their CBW registration?
Some CBW holders have already been authorized for Felidae, which would include both
subspecies P. l. leo and P. l. melanochaita. If your CBW already authorizes Felidae, you do not
need to amend your CBW at this time. You will however need to include all activities carried out
with lions, such as births, deaths and transfers, on your annual report.
CBW registrants who currently hold lions but are not authorized for Felidae and intend to conduct
interstate commerce (e.g., buy or sell lions) should apply to amend their CBW registrations by
submitting application form 3-200-41 (see above) prior to the effective date of the ruling.
Applicants should provide documentation that demonstrates the lions in their collection meet the
criteria for CBW registration, and their staff expertise and facilities are appropriate for lion
conservation breeding. Applicants do not need to submit information about other species already
authorized under their CBW registration, however they may apply to add species beyond the lions
on the same amendment application. Wildlife must meet the criteria for the CBW program.
Applicants should not use form 3-200-52 to amend a CBW registration.
How do I apply for a permit and who do I contact for questions regarding permits?
Permit applications may be obtained from the Service’s website or by contacting the Service’s
Division of Management Authority. Applicants should allow at least 45 days for processing of any
application involving a threatened species and 90 days for any application involving an endangered
species.
For additional information on permits, or to submit an application, please contact:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Management Authority
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, Virginia 22041
Phone: 703-358-2104 or 1-800-358-2104
Fax: 703-358-2281
Email: managementauthority@fws.gov
http://international.fws.gov
About Conservation Efforts
Why are foreign species listed under the ESA?
The ESA requires the Service to list species as endangered if they are in danger of extinction and
as threatened if they are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future, regardless of the
country where the species is found.
For additional information on listing foreign species under the ESA, please see the Ecological Services
program’s Branch of Foreign Species fact sheet at: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/.../foreign_species.pdf.
How does the ESA protect foreign species?
By regulating the activities of U.S. citizens and residents with regard to listed species whose native
range is outside the United States, the ESA helps ensure people under U.S. jurisdiction do not
contribute to the further decline of these species. Except by permit for specific purposes consistent
with the ESA, it is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United
States to:
• import into and export from the United States any listed species or its parts or products;
• take (harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect or to attempt any of
these activities) listed species within the United States, its territorial waters, or on the high seas;
• deliver, receive, carry, transport or ship listed species in interstate or foreign commerce in the
course of commercial activity;
• sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce; or possess, sell, deliver, carry, transport
or ship listed species taken in violation of the ESA.
What additional benefits does listing under the ESA afford a species?
In addition to the prohibitions on certain activities, the ESA authorizes the provisions of targeted
financial assistance for the development and management of programs necessary or useful to the
conservation of listed species in foreign countries. The ESA encourages conservation programs that
benefit foreign-listed species and may provide assistance through training or personnel. The ESA also
encourages international conservation of foreign listed species through its enhancement permits
provision.
What is the Service doing to help conserve wild populations of wild lions?
The Service is working on multiple levels to protect and restore lion populations across their range
through collaborative efforts. Since 2003, the Service has awarded five grants through its International
Affairs program, totaling $166,956, matched by $230,903 in leveraged funds, towards conservation
efforts to protect lions. Field projects were supported in four countries. These projects include:
• Establishing a training program for specialized “lion” guards to help stabilize and protect the
remaining lions and large carnivore populations in Cameroon in partnership with the Leo
Foundation.
• Supporting lion conservation in Cameroon in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation
Research Unit of the University of Oxford to address the threats of poaching of lions and their
prey, human-lion conflict, the trade in cubs and lion products and problems with legal hunting.
• Strengthening wildlife protection and law enforcement measures in the Democratic Republic of
Congo in partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation to support lion conservation and
other species to mitigate the impacts of poaching, bushmeat trade, mining and civil conflict.

YIKES!!!!

D. Nelson

So, gear up to pay some hefty fees and go through a thorough permitting process in order to bring any lion in from Southern Africa. And, apparently if you've had a wildlife violation anywhere in the world and were found guilty or plead guilty you may not get any future permits for sport hunted trophy imports. Pretty freaking broad and punitive, especially if you've had some minor wildlife violation somewhere in the U.S., it appears.

Director's statement...



"The Service found that sport-hunting, if well managed, may provide a benefit to the subspecies. Well-managed conservation programs use trophy hunting revenues to sustain lion conservation, research and anti-poaching activities. However, the Service found that not all trophy hunting programs are scientifically based or managed in a sustainable way. So in addition to protecting both lion subspecies under the ESA, we created a permitting mechanism to support and strengthen the accountability of conservation programs in other nations. This rule will allow for the importation of the threatened Panthera leo melanochaita, including sport-hunted trophies, from countries with established conservation programs and well-managed lion populations."

So where does this leave Zambia?

Here is another article about the upcoming ban on
lion trophy imports.
http://www.foxnews.com/politic...s.html?intcmp=hplnws

https://news.vice.com/article/...frican-lion-trophies



The Obama Administration Just Made It Virtually Impossible for Hunters to Import African Lion Trophies

By Matt Smith

December 21, 2015 | 2:26 pm

Months after the killing of one of Zimbabwe's protected lions sparked global outrage, US wildlife officials announced steps to make shooting Africa's most famous big cats tougher and more expensive for trophy hunters.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has placed two African lion subspecies under its protection, declaring one type in west-central Africa endangered and the other, found in eastern and southern Africa, threatened. That means anyone who wants to import lion trophies or other animal products will face "a much higher burden than they have in the past," the agency's director, Dan Ashe, told reporters Monday.

"It does not bar those imports outright, but it will raise the bar substantially," Ashe said.

The announcement comes less than six months after an American trophy hunter killed Cecil, a 13-year-old male lion, which lived on a park preserve in Zimbabwe. Ashe said the rule wasn't a response to the killing of Cecil or any other incident, "but rather an overwhelming body of science that says lions are endangered or threatened with extinction, and we need to change the curve."


The latest research suggests that barely 20,000 lions remain — and only about 900 of those are the west-central African variety, which the service classifies as the same subspecies as India's rare Asiatic lion. By comparison, scientists estimated Africa was home to more than half a million lions at the beginning of the 20th century.

There was no immediate response from two African hunting clubs VICE News contacted for comment on the news. But the announcement drew praise from conservation groups, which had petitioned the agency to list lions under the Endangered Species Act in 2011.

Luke Hunter, a zoologist and president of the global wild cat conservation group Panthera, said importing lion trophies "will be as good as prohibited" under the new rules.

"It's still possible, but the sea change moment here is the service is going to require that for a permit to be issue, that it's shown that trophy hunting is a benefit to lion populations," he said. "I think that's a really significant step."

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that American trophy hunters have killed more than 5,600 lions over the past decade. Monday's announcement is tougher than the rule the agency proposed a year ago, which would have listed both animals as threatened, but not endangered.

The black-maned Cecil and his pride were closely studied by researchers and were a popular draw for tourists. The lion's killer, a Minnesota dentist named Walter Palmer, apologized, saying he didn't know he was taking a collared animal. But he was hounded by protesters back home, and the backlash spurred numerous airlines — including major US carriers Delta, American, and United — to strike exotic animal trophies from their manifests.

Palmer's guides face criminal charges in Zimbabwe, but authorities there said Palmer won't be charged since he had the proper hunting permits. Many hunters argue those costly permits support conservation work. But Ashe said that if hunting is part of a conservation strategy, "It's going to have to do much, much better."

"I believe the American hunter can be an integral part of a vibrant conservation strategy," said Ashe, who noted that he's a hunter, too. "But the burden will be on the hunter, not the hunted. I think we need to ask for the hunter to bear a much higher burden than they have in the past."



Lion populations are shrinking largely due to loss of habitat, as human populations and their livestock encroach on the big cats' territory and drive off their prey. A study co-authored by Panthera researchers recently projected that lion populations were likely fall by half over the next two decades without action.

Hunting isn't the biggest problem, Ashe said, "But if we are going to continue to have hunting, then hunting needs to be a much clearer part of the solution. That's what we're going to be looking for from the hunting industry and the range states and individual hunters."

Under the new designations, the Fish and Wildlife Service will have to make "a clear and unequivocal determination" that hunting permits support a well-managed national conservation program in the country where the hunt will take place, Ashe said. The agency will be raising fees for importing trophies to fund its own enforcement efforts, and the host nations will be held "to a higher standard than we have ever held them before."

Other countries, including France and Australia, have banned the importation of trophy lions outright, Hunter said. Britain and much of the European Union are considering similar bans.

"In principle, the hunting industry and the hunting community should have nothing to worry about this, because the service is just asking for proof of what they always claim," Hunter said. "Prove now that hunting brings all these benefits that you, the hunters, always say — things that the revenue that it generates brings new revenue to conservation ... that's a new standard, and it's a science-based one."

There's lots of window dressing that's keeping people from realizing that we've just seen the end of African lion hunting as we know it.

The press release, to me, carries the same messages we heard when Zim and TZ elephant imports were halted. We all know how that worked out.

Bad day for lions. Bad day for hunters.

You are absolutely right Will. They have wanted to take this action for some time, Palmer created the public atmosphere that made it a lay up for them politically. The real loser, wildlife.

I say keep fighting until everyone hears what hunters have got to say.

I'm surprised its taken this long. I predicted the end of Lion hunting at the turn of the century; it took 15 years but here we have it.

And this isn't the end. They will keep on until we cannot import any species of hunted trophy. I am sorry my 6 year old grandson will likely never be able to hunt African DG.

quote:

Originally posted by safari-lawyer:
There's lots of window dressing that's keeping people from realizing that we've just seen the end of African lion hunting as we know it.

The press release, to me, carries the same messages we heard when Zim and TZ elephant imports were halted. We all know how that worked out.

Bad day for lions. Bad day for hunters.

+1

This the end of African Lion hunting for Americans.

I don' think BVC or Save meet the requirements for USFW.

Lions and other predators cannot be counted by aerial surveys.

The paperwork and process to get a permit would require the hunter to show the scientific game management process and sustainability of the lion population.

Most of the lions in the Save showed up when the buffalo herd got to certain size. The buffalo were introduced not the lions.

The big five is down to leopard and buffalo. I bet in 5 years its buffalo only.

For all those wanting to follow the letter of the law and nothing else - the law is the ethical standard. Try following the law and getting a lion permit from USFW.

Cecil and Dr. Palmer were the best possible gift to the anti-hunters and stopping legal lion hunting.

I feel bad for the lions - they are going to get shot off pretty soon. No one feeds buffalos, nyala, sable to zero economic value lions.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by Beretta682E:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by safari-lawyer:



I feel bad for the lions - get are going to get shot off pretty soon

Mike

A bit dramatic, there are countries outside US

Look at Polar bears the price has doubled the last few years. Russian, Americans, europeans hunt them anyway. Forest elephant in Cameroon seem to be high end hunt and are doing just fine.

Markhors with price tags at 200K are selling and these species has come back from the dead almost. and now a population of several thousands.

We will see alot of different people hunting them and another price structure.

But it is for sure a sad day for African hunters in general.

But we as a group that say hunting is the only option to save the lion/elephant etc we have failed big time. Look at the stats for elephants in east africa and lions in west africa.

With all the millions/billions flowing in the industry I feel we could have done a better job protecting these species. Now its too late JMO

Nothing says hunters cannot still hunt lion or elephant, just that the trophies cannot be imported. I guess we will see if hunters are serious when they frequently say that the hunt is about the experience and not about trophy. Perhaps we will see a movement away from the focus on trophies and more emphasis on the hunt as a challenge, an adventure, a connection with the past, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by A.Dahlgren:

quote:

Originally posted by Beretta682E:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by safari-lawyer:



I feel bad for the lions - get are going to get shot off pretty soon

Mike

A bit dramatic, there are countries outside US

Look at Polar bears the price has doubled the last few years. Russian, Americans, europeans hunt them anyway. Forest elephant in Cameroon seem to be high end hunt and are doing just fine.

We will see alot of different people hunting them and another price structure.

But it is for sure a sad day for African hunters in general.

But we as a group that say hunting is the only option to save the lion/elephant etc we have failed big time. Look at the stats for elephants in east africa and lions in west africa.

With all the millions/billions flowing in the industry I feel we could have done a better job protecting these species. JMO

Anton - the high dollar price hunts for all the talk of european, russians and arabs are dominated by Americans.

The easy lions hunts will always be there in South Africa.

But not too many people will be paying 150K for a 30%-40% chance to shoot a wild african lion if they cannot bring back the trophies. EU most likely will follow the US - France and Australia led the US.

We live in the bs marketing world of hunting as conservation. Conservation is a secondary impact when renewable resources are rationally harvested under property rights and long term profit maximization. In africa the property rights are fleeting and long term is this hunting season.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Nothing says hunters cannot still hunt lion or elephant, just that the trophies cannot be imported.

In Tanz I heard that you cant hunt elephant if you dont have a export permit.

Yes they are dominated by US but with so low quota on lions it almost a safe bet that they will be sold anyways.

If americans stop hunting big game the outfitters will to start marketing other countries and that have already started. Hunting shows in Russia/arab countries and Europe will def get bigger in the next few year. Again JMO

If that is the case, seems like Tanzania could change that with the stroke of a pen if they believed that hunters would still be willing to hunt elephant and leave the trophies behind . . . all the better for Tanzania.

quote:

Originally posted by A.Dahlgren:
Yes they are dominated by US but with so low quota on lions it almost a safe bet that they will be sold anyways.

At what price they are sold matters.

Especially if they are eating buffalo at $5K, sable at $5K and nyala at $5K a pop more than once a month.

Mike

We will see Mike but I disagree.

Your last sentence I dont understand.

What Mike is saying is that lions won't be tolerated when they eating expensive animals if the lions have no value. Mike is right. it happens I know for a fact.

Yes I agree but I mean that lions will always have a value.

Lets say they got 100K for a lion and now they get 50K, they sell 10 buff hunts each year for 20K and now they will go for 25K instead. Easy

To think that 100-150K for a lion is fair price you must be crazy, this price is just because of this fear that americans had and the outfitters raised the price accordingly.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
What Mike is saying is that lions won't be tolerated when they eating expensive animals if the lions have no value. Mike is right. it happens I know for a fact.

+1

Remember Bvc had some lioness hunts 2 years back when the lion prides were hitting plains game pretty hard.

Wild lion prides eat a lot of game.

The canned lion hunting is built on feeding eat cattle carcasses.

Wild lions in game rich conservancies are expensive additions.

And lions don't tell the difference between a sable and a wildebeest.

Mike

Well Bubye is a fenced area, and for sure they eat alot. To compare bvc with a wild area is not fair.


I think it will be hard for let say a Tanz ph to see that a class animals are missing from the heards of antelopes, thats nature.

Just come to think of it the only lion Buzz sold this year was to a Danish

quote:

Originally posted by A.Dahlgren:
Well Bubye is a fenced area, and for sure they eat alot. To compare bvc with a wild area is not fair.


I think it will be hard for let say a Tanz ph to see that a class animals are missing from the heards of antelopes, thats nature.

The reality is american hunters just got taken of the list than can legally hunt wild lions. France and Australia has already done that. I am pretty sure the anti-lion hunting crowd will have most of the eu adopting French or US rules.

So wild lion hunting is Russians, Arabs and rest of the world.

Lets see how wild lion prices and hunts sold line up.

This cannot be good for wild lions.

Mike

Just think...if SCI, TAHOA, and TPHA had adopted the "Definition of a huntable male lion"...they would have the worlds leading lion scientists on board validating hunting as the best sustainable conservation method.

Instead...we have them against us.

Did I read this wrong? I thought that lion would simply be added as a Cites animal, the way leopard and elephant are. At least in Southern and East Africa.

quote:

Originally posted by Beretta682E:

quote:

Originally posted by A.Dahlgren:
Well Bubye is a fenced area, and for sure they eat alot. To compare bvc with a wild area is not fair.


I think it will be hard for let say a Tanz ph to see that a class animals are missing from the heards of antelopes, thats nature.

The reality is american hunters just got taken of the list than can legally hunt wild lions. France and Australia has already done that. I am pretty sure the anti-lion hunting crowd will have most of the eu adopting French or US rules.

So wild lion hunting is Russians, Arabs and rest of the world.

Lets see how wild lion prices and hunts sold line up.

This cannot be good for wild lions.

Mike

Mike - That's not true! The legal hunting of a lion in Tanzania for example, by an American is not effected - only possible importation into the USA. You can still hunt them as normal, based on local rules/laws.

Yes, I agree with Mike and others - the guidelines for which one will be issued an import permit is likely going to be very difficult to say the least.

Over 60% of ALL lions exported from the continent of Africa are bound each year for the USA. The change here is likely big! I received an email from, and emailed back to JJ today asking for a clear / easy to understand interpretation from his perspective and what he really expects to happen? Waiting on that now.

Yes Anton, this will effect the lion monstrously! The inuits in the arctic are not interested in eliminating everything that moves, including the polar bear - unlike the natives in Africa. Especially when the lion has no real value to them, which is coming my friend. Comparing how the polar bear has faired versus this effect on the lion are night/day difference. I've been to where they are polar bears a couple of times, never saw another sole within 100 miles. Not the case in Africa, as you know.

Africa as a whole is the sinking TITANIC, period!!! The game will be the ultimate loser, and folks like all of us here will be asked someday to recount our experiences in books / videos, as most of the once rich game fields will ALL be gone (save a few of the popular national parks)

I'm glad to say I've done 35 DG safaris in Africa, but I hate to say it - I'm sure 35 more will never happen. The lion has been my passion for 20 years now, I'm very saddened to see what's sure to be his eventual continent wide demise as these changes continue to progress!!!

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Did I read this wrong? I thought that lion would simply be added as a Cites animal, the way leopard and elephant are. At least in Southern and East Africa.

Ya man, a lot more to it than that! Its the "fine print" that's gonna kill us.

quote:

Originally posted by Beretta682E:

quote:

Originally posted by safari-lawyer:
There's lots of window dressing that's keeping people from realizing that we've just seen the end of African lion hunting as we know it.

The press release, to me, carries the same messages we heard when Zim and TZ elephant imports were halted. We all know how that worked out.

Bad day for lions. Bad day for hunters.

+1

This the end of African Lion hunting for Americans.

I don' think BVC or Save meet the requirements for USFW.

Lions and other predators cannot be counted by aerial surveys.

The paperwork and process to get a permit would require the hunter to show the scientific game management process and sustainability of the lion population....

For all those wanting to follow the letter of the law and nothing else - the law is the ethical standard. Try following the law and getting a lion permit from USFW.

The way the release is written one could read that USFWS has just found a lucrative way of taxing the import of lions to the US.

If the narrative about science based standards holds water I'll be intrigued to see the responses from UWS to letters from PH associations and Tourism / Environment ministers about how Safari operations in their countries gain accreditation to export lions to the US

I am booked into Moz next July for lion. But knowing that Moz has no propensity for paper work cancellation is likely.

Polar Bear was closed 8 days after I got off the ice in 08. Never got that trophy.

I am seeing a pattern.

Jeff

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
I am booked into Moz next July for lion. But knowing that Moz has no propensity for paper work cancellation is likely.

Polar Bear was closed 8 days after I got off the ice in 08. Never got that trophy.

I am seeing a pattern.

Jeff

Dude! You got bad Ju-Ju. You need a sing, just sayin'

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Nothing says hunters cannot still hunt lion or elephant, just that the trophies cannot be imported. I guess we will see if hunters are serious when they frequently say that the hunt is about the experience and not about trophy.

I expressed that point in my Zim Ele hunt report.

So what are the big hunting organizations going to do to fight this? File lawsuits and hope the judges agree with us and rule in our favor? That didn't work with the polar bear. What other options do we have to fight this? Raise hell with our politicians until they put the heat on USFWS to drop these new regulations?