Export of American Alligators Taken in 1995 Through 1997

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international trade in certain animal and plant species. As a general rule, exports of animals and plants listed on Appendix II of CITES may occur only if a Scientific Authority has advised a permit-issuing Management Authority that such exports will not be detrimental to the survival of the species and if the Management Authority is satisfied that the animals or plants were not obtained in violation of laws for their protection. Based on documentation presented for consideration by the CITES Parties in 1983, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has determined that the American alligator is listed on Appendix II for reasons of similarity in appearance under Article II.2(b) of CITES as well as the potential threat to the species survival under CITES Article II.2(a). On December 27, 1994, the Service published a notice (59 FR 66510) proposing to grant export approval for legally taken American alligators, alligator meat, parts, and products from previously approved States for the 1995-1997 harvest seasons. This document announces the final findings and rule by the U.S. Scientific Authority and Management Authority that approve the export of American alligators harvested during the 1995-1997 harvest seasons from certain States previously approved for such export for the 1992- 1994 harvest seasons and for the State of Arkansas which was previously approved for the 1994 harvest season. This rule also stipulates that monitoring procedures previously established for this species be continued. In addition, references in the regulation concerning the manner in which tags are to be attached to American alligator hides (full skins) at the time of export and the conditions for export of parts and products have been clarified.