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for species that may not be well-represented in the U.S. and 

 where importation assists genetic diversity for these species. 



Finally, the Service believes that the provisions of the WBCA 

 which regulate import of captive-bred birds fill an important 

 gap. While CITES approves and certifies captive-breeding 

 facilities for CITES-listed Appendix I bird species, there is no 

 equivalent approval process for CITES-listed Appendix II or III 

 species. Problems remain in adequate regulatory and enforcement 

 mechanisms in many countries of origin for species which are in 

 trade. Therefore, no assurances exist that wild-caught birds are 

 not being misrepresented and illegally imported as captive-bred 

 birds. The WBCA allows captive-bred birds to be imported in a 

 variety of ways: from an approved list of captive-bred species, 

 or from an approved foreign breeding facility, or as a permitted 

 exemption. Therefore, adequate means exist to provide for 

 captive breeding under the WBCA. 



In closing, the Service strongly supports the re-authorization of 

 the WBCA. The U.S. has shown world leadership in conserving 

 exotic bird, populations and the re-authorization of the WBCA will 

 reconfirm our commitment to continue this leadership. We look 

 forward to working with this Committee during the re- 

 authorization process. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



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