Comment on FR Doc # 2012-16445

The concerns that I have about adding the Scarlet Macaw to the list of endangered species are numerous. First, how will this action affect the legal captive bred populations here in the US? Captive bred parrots make up a large portion of the domestic pet economy. These birds were not taken from the wild and are thus not part of the threat to the species. In fact, it could be argued that handicapping the domestic pet trade, would encourage more illegal imports of these birds. Comments taken from the news release of the group responsible for requesting the listing, found at: http://www.friendsofanimals.org/news/2012/july/news-a-milestone-for.html, would seem to suggest that this was a back door ploy to handicap the domestic pet economy. Comments such as: “Every bird cooped up in someone’s house is deprived of a free life with other members of their natural communities,” said Lee Hall, Legal Vice President for Friends of Animals, which filed the initial petition to list these communities of birds. “So we ask advocates in the United States and worldwide to complement our work with awareness campaigns to understand birds - no matter where they were born — as inappropriate pets". It seems clear to me that this groups goal is to use the ESA as an excuse to cripple a large part of our economy, not just the sale of parrots themselves but the sale of food, toys, and other accessories related to these animals. Therefore, I would like it explained how this listing will affect interstate commerce of domestic captive bred Macaws. The only other concern that I wish to list here is this: "If the fish and wildlife service admits that the animal is not endangered in its primary range, then how can it be endangered period?". As an avid animal lover I generally support the ESA, but I don't want to see it used and abused to fit a fringe groups narrow agenda. I will also be addressing this issue with my representatives.