Comment on FR Doc # 2012-19071

On behalf of the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), we are writing in support of reclassification of the straight-horned markhor from endangered to threatened, and in support of the proposed special rule allowing import of sport-hunted markhor trophies taken from established conservation programs (e.g., TCP). As one of the petitioning organizations, via Conservation Force, WSF is very interested and supportive of this proposed down-listing. We are certain that USFWS has received and read the August 9, 2012 Version 1.0 IUCN SSC report "IUCN SSC Guiding Principles on Trophy Hunting as a Tool for Creating Conservation Incentives"; in that document, IUCN SSC recognizes and highlights (Annex 1) the Torghar straight-horned markhor case study as one of their two examples of trophy hunting as part of a conservation strategy. This IUCN SSC report was carefully developed, using input and perspectives from a variety of international experts on wildlife conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, including wildlife. We are pleased that WSF, among many other organizations, was involved in the writing and ultimate approval of this IUCN SSC document. WSF believes this downlisting and the accompanying special rule allowing importation are timely, warranted, and appropriate. WSF thanks the USFWS for their attention to this matter, and their efforts to recognize that well-managed trophy hunting is legitimately a part of wildlife conservation and local community development and support.