The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has proposed protecting the salmon-crested cockatoo of Indonesia by adding it to the federal list of threatened species. FWS is currently seeking public comment on the proposal, published Nov. 3 in the Federal Register.

According to FWS, the salmon-crested cockatoo is threatened by illegal trapping for the pet trade, illegal logging, which has led to the degradation of the bird’s forest habitat, and forest fires. The service also noted that Indonesia’s existing regulatory mechanisms are inadequate to mitigate the threats to the species.

As a result, FWS has proposed listing the salmon-crested cockatoo, also known as the Moluccan, Seram, pink-crested or rose-crested cockatoo, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Adding a foreign species to the federal list of threatened or endangered species places restrictions on the importation of either the animal or its parts. It also serves to heighten the awareness among foreign governments, conservation organizations and the public of the importance of conserving the species, according to FWS.

The service has proposed a special rule that would allow the import and export of certain salmon-crested cockatoos (i.e. captive-bred) and the interstate commerce of the species without having to acquire a special permit.

The public has until Feb. 1, 2010, to submit comments and information regarding the species.

The proposal in its entirety can be accessed and commented on here.

Written comments may be mailed or hand delivered to Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R9-IA-2009-0028, Division of Policy and Directives Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222, Arlington, VA 22203. <HOME>