[Federal Register: April 12, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 69)] [Notices] [Page 17675-17676] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr12ap99-99] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Availability of Giant Panda Research Reports AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of the availability of the Zoological Society of San Diego's Giant Panda Research Reports. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of the Zoological Society of San Diego's (ZSSD) giant panda research reports. The Service issued a permit in 1995 to the ZSSD to import two giant pandas for scientific research. The ZSSD imported the pandas in September 1996. Their research is focused on investigations of the communication system of giant pandas, particularly olfaction. The ZSSD is required to submit an annual report summarizing their research results for each year. The Service is making the reports received to date available to help educate the public and to promote cooperation/collaboration in giant panda conservation efforts. DATES: The Service will accept requests to obtain a copy of the research reports for 60 days after April 12, 1999. ADDRESSES: Send your requests to obtain a copy of the research reports to the Chief, Office of Management Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 700, Arlington, Virginia 22203. You may also send your request by fax at 703-358-2281. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Teiko Saito, Chief, Office of Management Authority, telephone (703) 358-2093 or fax (703) 358-2280, (see ADDRESSES section). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The giant panda is subject to strict protection by its listing as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and it inclusion in Appendix-I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The Service is responsible for protecting pandas by regulating certain activities, including whether to grant permits to allow their movement into and within the United States. In making these decisions under the ESA, the Service must determine whether the proposed activity is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the giant panda and would be for scientific research that promotes conservation of the species or enhancement of propagation or survival. Under CITES, the Service must determine if the activity would be for [[Page 17676]] purposes that are not detrimental to the survival of the species and that are not primarily commercial. The ZSSD applied for and was granted a permit in 1995 to import two giant pandas for scientific research. They imported the pandas in September 1996. Conditions of the permit require the ZSSD to submit an annual report summarizing the research they conducted for that year. The ZSSD's research is primarily focused on investigating the communication system of giant pandas, particularly the olfactory modality. Their investigations on captive pandas can have implications for management of pandas in the wild. Olfactory signaling plays a key role in mate location, maintaining community social structure and spatial regulation. The ZSSD's panda research has four basic goals: (1) to develop new methodologies for assessing population trends and habitat use in China's spatially restricted reserves; (2) to increase the understanding of physiology, behavior, and reproductive biology, in particular those aspects that would assist in the management of the wild population; (3) to contribute to a more viable collaborative structure for international research efforts in all spheres where giant pandas are found; and (4) to contribute to the process of educating governments, conservation NGOs and the general public on the giant panda's attributes and vulnerability to extinction. The ZSSD is addressing these goals through a series of studies that have specific aims. The reports reflect the progress that the ZSSD has made toward these goals. Dated: March 30, 1999. Teiko Saito, Chief, Office of Management Authority. [FR Doc. 99-9028 Filed 4-9-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-U