"It is hereby declared to be the policy of Congress that all Federal departments and agencies shall seek to conserve endangered species and threatened species."

Yes. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA) prohibits the take, possession, import, export, transport, sale, or purchase of migratory birds without a valid federal permit. Researchers, educators, wildlife rehabilitators, and falconers each require specific permit types issued under 50 CFR Part 21. State permits do not substitute for federal authorization.

A recovery permit under ESA Section 10(a)(1)(A) authorizes take of endangered or threatened species for scientific research that promotes recovery or enhances propagation and survival. Applications are reviewed under 50 CFR 17.22 (endangered wildlife), 50 CFR 17.32 (threatened wildlife), 50 CFR 17.62 (endangered plants), and 50 CFR 17.72 (threatened plants). Submit your research protocol, justification for take, and minimization measures to your regional ecological services office.

An Incidental Take Permit (ITP) under ESA Section 10(a)(1)(B) authorizes take of listed species that is incidental to — and not the purpose of — an otherwise lawful activity. Applicants must prepare a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) demonstrating that take will be minimized and mitigated to the maximum extent practicable. ITPs are commonly required for development projects, forestry operations, and infrastructure construction near listed species habitat.

The United States implements CITES through the Endangered Species Act. USFWS is the U.S. Management Authority for CITES. Import and export of CITES-listed species require both a CITES permit from the country of origin and a U.S. import/export permit. Commercial trade in Appendix I species is generally prohibited. Apply through the Office of Scientific Authority and Management Authority at least 60 days before the intended shipment.

Yes. Under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Eagle Feather Law, enrolled members of federally recognized tribes may obtain eagle feathers for religious purposes through the National Eagle Repository in Commerce City, Colorado. A tribal enrollment certification and completed application are required. Wait times vary; the Repository distributes feathers from eagles that died of natural causes, electrocution, or other non-deliberate means.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) prohibits the take of marine mammals in U.S. waters. Commercial fisheries with documented incidental take must register under the MMPA and may be required to carry federal observers. Authorization for scientific research or photography requires a separate scientific research permit. Permits are issued by USFWS for walruses, polar bears, sea otters, and manatees; NOAA Fisheries handles cetaceans and pinnipeds.

Contact the USFWS Office of Law Enforcement at 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477) or submit a tip online. The Lacey Act of 1900 prohibits trade in wildlife, fish, and plants taken in violation of any U.S., tribal, state, or foreign law. Violations include falsifying documents accompanying wildlife shipments, importing species prohibited by foreign law, and trafficking in protected species. Port inspectors at designated ports of entry enforce CITES permits and inspect crates for undeclared specimens.

The federal lists of endangered and threatened wildlife and plants are published in the Code of Federal Regulations at 50 CFR 17.11 (wildlife) and 50 CFR 17.12 (plants). The USFWS also maintains a searchable online database. Species may be listed as Endangered (facing extinction), Threatened (likely to become endangered), or Proposed (under review). Candidate species are those warranting listing but not yet formally proposed due to higher-priority actions.

Any person may petition USFWS to list, delist, or reclassify a species. Within 90 days, the Service makes a finding on whether the petition presents substantial information. If substantial, a 12-month finding follows, determining whether listing is warranted. A listing priority number (1–12) is assigned to candidate species reflecting urgency: magnitude of threat (high/moderate/low) and immediacy (imminent/non-imminent). In November 2025, the Service published four proposed rules significantly revising ESA implementation.

Located in Ashland, Oregon, the Clark R. Bavin Laboratory is the only forensics laboratory in the world devoted exclusively to wildlife law enforcement. Scientists identify species from feathers, scales, blood, and tissue samples; determine cause of death; and link evidence to crime scenes. By treaty, it serves as the official crime laboratory for CITES and Interpol wildlife crime investigations. Law enforcement agencies submit evidence through the USFWS Office of Law Enforcement.