Endangered/Threatened Species License
For Education, Exhibition, Scientific Collection or Propagation of Endangered & 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:
- New York State listing of endangered and threatened species
- Federal listing of endangered and threatened species (link leaves DEC website)
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.
|
Education/Exhibition |
Scientific | Propagation |
|---|---|---|
Allows for:
|
Allows for:
|
Allows for:
|
Does not allow:
|
Does not allow:
|
Does not allow:
|
| 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):
|
Forms for Scientific Collection (PDF documents):
|
Forms for Propagation (PDF documents):
|
Other Possible Requirements
|
Other Possible Requirements
|
Other Possible Requirements
|
How To Apply
- Complete the appropriate application form available in the table above. You may also contact the Special Licenses Unit at speciallicenses@dec.ny.gov 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 (link leaves DEC 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)
- 6 NYCRR Part 175 - Special Licenses and Permits - Definitions and Uniform Procedures (link leaves DEC website)
- 6 NYCRR Part 182 - Endangered and Threatened Species of Fish and Wildlife Species of Special Concern (link leaves DEC website)
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: speciallicenses@dec.ny.gov
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: aceast@aphis.usda.gov
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: permitsR5MB@fws.gov
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: BBL@usgs.gov
Website: www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl
Other Related License Types
The following licenses are also issued by DEC for endangered and threatened species:
