Endangered/Threatened Species License

Top Endangered/Threatened Species License

For Education, Exhibition, Scientific Collection or Propagation of Endangered and Threatened Species

The licenses listed on this page allow for the collection, possession, or sale of endangered or threatened species for education, exhibition, scientific research or propagation (breeding). For a listing of these species visit the following pages:

Definition(s)

Education: collection, possession and exhibition of a species to teach or instruct about its characteristics, ecological role or conservation needs.
Exhibition: regular public display or showing of the species where the display itself is the chief object.
Scientific: use of fish, wildlife or parts thereof by a scientific institution, clinic, laboratory or individual researcher to expand scientific knowledge or to gain knowledge of a fish or wildlife species, population or community. Captive-bred populations may be established and maintained as part of a scientific endeavor.
Propagation: production or breeding of animals by application of husbandry techniques in a controlled environment.

License Types

DEC issues three different types of licenses that authorize the possession, collection or sale of threatened and endangered wildlife. Details of each license are below.

Endangered and Threatened Species License Types
Education/Exhibition	Scientific	Propagation
Allows for: Possession of captive bred or permanently disabled New York State and federally listed endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife for education or exhibition purposes. Possession and collection of New York State and federally listed wild endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife for education or exhibition purposes.	Allows for: Possession of captive bred or permanently disabled native and non-native endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife for scientific purposes. Possession and collection of native and non-native wild endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife for scientific and banding purposes.	Allows for: Possession and sale of captive bred or permanently disabled New York State and federally listed endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife for propagation purposes. Possession of New York State and federally listed wild endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife for propagation purposes.
Does not allow: Possession of wildlife as pets Sale or propagation of regulated species	Does not allow: Possession of wildlife as pets Sale or propagation of regulated species Exhibition of regulated species	Does not allow: Possession of wildlife as pets Exhibition of regulated species
License Fee: No Fee License Expires: 1 year from issuance	License Fee: No Fee License Expires: 1 year from issuance	License Fee: No Fee License Expires: 1 years from issuance
Forms for Education/Exhibition (PDF documents): License Application (PDF) Annual Report of Activities (PDF) Designated Agents Forms (PDF) - use this form to list other individuals who will assist the license holder with actions performed under this license.	Forms for Scientific Collection (PDF and Excel documents): License Application (PDF) Designated Agents Forms (PDF) - use this form to list other individuals who will assist the license holder with actions performed under this license. LCP Fish Report Form (Excel) - use this file to report on fish collections and email it to [email protected].	Forms for Propagation (PDF documents): License Application (PDF) Annual Report of Activities (PDF) Designated Agents Forms (PDF) - use this form to list other individuals who will assist the license holder with actions performed
Other Possible Requirements DEC Temporary Revocable Permit - needed when conducting activities on New York State managed lands or conservation USDA-Animal Welfare-Class C Exhibitors License - needed when collecting or possessing mammals USFWS Migratory Bird or Eagle Permit - Needed when collecting or possessing migratory birds or eagles Letter from a veterinarian needed when possessing a wildlife rehabilitated animal. The letter must state that the animal is permanently disabled and cannot be released to the wild.	Other Possible Requirements DEC Temporary Revocable Permit - needed when conducting activities on New York State managed lands or conservation USFWS Migratory Bird or Eagle Permit - Needed when collecting or possessing migratory birds or eagles.	Other Possible Requirements DEC Temporary Revocable Permit - needed when conducting activities on New York State managed lands or conservation USDA-Animal Welfare-Class C Exhibitors License - needed when collecting or possessing mammals USFWS Migratory Bird or Eagle Permit - needed when collecting or possessing migratory birds or eagles

How To Apply

Complete the appropriate application form available in the table above. You may also contact the Special Licenses Unit at [email protected] to request an application.
Send completed information to the following address: NYSDEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233-4752
Obtain any additional required permits, licenses or letters as noted in the "other possible requirements" in the table above.

Current License Holder Information

License Renewal

All licenses expire 1 year from the date of issuance.
To renew your license you must complete the appropriate license application available in the table above.
Check the renewal box on the application to indicate you are renewing your license.

Annual Report of Activities

Education/Exhibition, Scientific Collection and Propagation licensees are required to complete and submit an annual report of activities each year as specified by their license conditions. Education/Exhibition and Propagation report forms are available in the table above.

License Amendments

License amendments should be submitted using the appropriate application for the license type available in the table above.
Check the "License Amendment" box on the application and follow the instructions on the last page of the application.

Designated Agents Form

Designated agents assisting the licensee on or off premises, must be listed on the licensee's license as a designated agent prior to conducting any activities authorized by the license. Designated agents can be added to licenses by completing the Designated Agent Form.

Applicable Laws and Regulations

Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)

Please visit New York State Legislature Website

11-0535 Endangered and Threatened Species, Species of Special Concern
11-0536 Sale of Certain Wild Animals or Wild Animal Products Prohibited
11-0537 Bald and Golden Eagles; Prohibited Acts

New York Codes Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)

Contact Information

Please contact the Special Licenses Unit with any questions or concerns about qualifying or applying for these licenses.

DEC Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-4752
Phone: 518-402-8985
E-mail: [email protected]

For other permit or license requirements as noted in the table above, please contact the appropriate organization listed below.

USDA-APHIS Animal Welfare
Eastern Region-Raleigh, NC
920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: 919-716-5532
Fax: 919-716-5696
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Region 5 - Hadley, MA
Migratory Bird Permit Office
P.O. Box 779
Hadley, MA
Phone: 413-253-8643
Fax: 413-253-8424
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.fws.gov/migratorybirds

U.S. Geological Survey Bird Banding
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
12100 Beech Forest Road
Laurel, MD
Phone:301-497-5790
Fax: 301-497-5717
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl

Other Related License Types

The following licenses are also issued by DEC for endangered and threatened species:

Contact for this Page

DFW, Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233

Phone: 518-402-8985

[email protected]

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