this isnt taxidermy related but i was wondering if it is legal to import a live falcon from a breeder in a different country to the U.S. and do you have to be a licensed falconer to do so. any info will help. i have contacted my state but they are closed until monday so i thought someone here might know. thanks
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A Dr. I deal with is deep into Falconry. I will not be seeing him until December.
You will deal with the USDA and the USF&W.
Find someone to help you about importing parrots, they will be your best link.
im not sure about the specie but its from south africa
An appx 2 species only, and a specimen that THEY can prove was raised in the facilities, not simply kept or "aquired" without satisfactory origin data.
And you most probably will find that the breeders facility will have to be registered as an approved managment program for that species for CITES purposes, and not simply registered to keep those species in their native homeland under state or pronincial authorization.
There is a BIG difference.
There are plenty of breeders at state levels that keep and breed avairy parrots and birds of prey worldwide in accordance with state requirements, but very few, if any would have their facilities registered to the CITES secretariat for the purpose of the export of app2 prodengy for non commercial purposes.
There is no return in it.
And as John has covered Quarantine facilities for birds is such an expensive exercise, one individual will be a VERY costly exercise , in its own quarters for the duration of its quarantine assesment, which is in excess of 30 days.
And dont muck around at State level for answers either, SPEND THE DIMES, call Washington and record the name of the person you talk to and have all the info and answers to your questions sent to you in hard copy paper for your records..
All falcons are listed as at least appendix II under CITES. The US has a law called the Wild Exotic Bird Conservation Act. Basically, if it is on CITES, non-indigenous to the US, you can not import it (live that is). There are very limited exceptions to this.
it sounds like you guys saved me alot of trouble and money.