98-32817. Emergency Exemption: Issuance

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 237 (Thursday, December 10, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68291-68292]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-32817]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Emergency Exemption: Issuance

    On November 26, 1998, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) 
issued a permit (PRT-005319) to Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, 
New York to import 33 angulated/plowshare tortoises (Geochelone 
ynipora) into the United States at the request of the Management 
Authority of the Netherlands. The 30-day public comment period required 
by section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act was waived. The Service 
determined that an emergency affecting the survival of these tortoises 
existed and that no reasonable alternative was available to

[[Page 68292]]

the applicant. The seized animals were at risk because of the immediate 
need for disease screening and health evaluation which could best be 
preformed in the United States and overcrowding in the Netherlands 
quarantine facility.

    Dated: December 4, 1998.
MaryEllen Amtower,
Acting Chief, Branch of Permits, Office of Management Authority.
[FR Doc. 98-32817 Filed 12-9-98; 8:45 am]
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