In 1992, the USFWS passed into law the Wild Bird Conservation Act (PDF). The WFA, in conjunction with USFWS-licensed raptor breeders, established a cooperative breeding program in 1994.
The Cooperative permit is currently authorized for European goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), European sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus), red-naped shaheens (Falco peregrinus babylonicus), Aplomado falcons (Falco femoralis femoralis and F. f. pichinchae), and ornate hawk eagles (Spizaetus ornatus).
This means only that Co-op members are approved to breed these species, not to import individual birds. A permit for actual import must be filed and granted using this form (Import of Birds under the other permits section) via the OMA (Office of Management Authority 1-800-358-2104) with permission of the WFA board and the Co-op breeders.
The WFA Director-at-Large is responsible for reporting to the WFA Board all Co-op activities.
To become a Co-op member, you must meet these minimum requirements:
- Licensed for raptor propagation by State and Federal agencies.
- Proven success with similar species.
- Member in good standing with state (WFA) and national conservation organizations. (NAFA, NARBA, or WRTC)
- Approval by WFA board and Co-op breeders.
Once these conditions are met, the WFA Director-at-Large can apply to the OMA for your addition to the permit.
The Co-op permit must be renewed every two years, and this is the responsibility of the WFA Director-at-Large. Specific requirements for the continuation of the permit and individual co-op members responsibilities include:
- Genetic management plan including:
- Keep a “stud book.”
- Identify individual co-op birds.
- Yearly activity including number of eggs, location of birds, and mortality (including reason).
- Progeny produced and disposition.
- Completion of annual report. A copy of your USFWS annual report may be substituted
- Cooperation with other Co-op breeders and Co-op programs. It is requested that first priority on the distribution of young produced go to other Co-op breeders.
- Forward copies of all correspondence with the OMA and other Co-ops to the WFA Director-at-Large for central record keeping.
- No birds brought in under a Co-op permit may be used to produce hybrids — No exceptions. Failure to comply will result in expulsion from the Co-op. The OMA is very specific on this item.
