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founders is that American aviculturists have access to captive-bred stock in 

 other countries. This is one basis for our insistence that incentives be 

 provided for international trade in captive-bred species. The emerging DNA 

 technology is already able to provide insurance against laundering, which is 

 only a concern for a relatively small number of high-profile, problematic 

 species. The need for such insurance would better be addressed on a permit- 

 by-permit basis rather than being incorporated as a part of the general 

 regulations. 



Dr. Beissinger has long advocated that "when implemented properly 

 and conservatively, sustainable harvesting of exotic birds could provide 

 advantages for conservationists, aviculturists, the pet industry and local 

 peoples" (see page 6 of his written testimony). To accomplish such a 

 sustainable harvesting goal, however, requires that a market exists for the 

 target species. Maintaining the genetic diversity of captive populations is one 

 of the few justifications that can be offered regarding harvest of wild exotic 

 birds for international trade. We hope that Congress, in its review of the 

 present WBCA, will make the changes necessary to assure the continued and 

 healthy existence of America's aviculture. 



Thank you for your consideration of my comments. 



Sincerely 



AMERICAN FEDERATION OF AVICULTURE 



Benny J. Gallaway, Ph.D. 

 Director of Conservation 



BJG/je 



cc Dr. S. R. Beissinger 



Ms. Laurella Desborough 

 Mr. Bob Berry 



