Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am interested in breeding radiata. Options are to buy only from in-state breeders (few choices if any), or to get a CBW and buy across states with more to choose from. Has anyone have any experience with obtaining a CBW permit from the W&F Services? Do they reject or approve easily?

I am just a guy with just a bunch of tortoises - no high-tech lab or facility. Since the application fee is high at $200 I like to know what's the chance of I getting the permit if I applied?

Hi,

Almost never is the request for a CBW Permit for Radiated Tortoises denied. USFWS is very good about granting the permits. If you apply, you will eventually get one, though you may be asked for a few more things after sending in the initial application, such as a letter from a "mentor" who will agree to assist you with the husbandry of the species if USFWS feels you don't have enough experience after reading through your application. I have provided numerous of these mentoring letters for applicants over the past 10 years. I cannot think of anyone who has been denied a permit in the past 7-10 years, even when such a letter was requested due to their lack of experience. Should you need one, let me know. Do, however, make a mental note that the letter must be sent directly from the mentor to the USFWS (to prevent fraudulent letters) and it must be sent AFTER your application is received by USFWS and acknowledged with a file number (so requesting one from your mentor in advance to accompany your application does you no good).

Good luck,

Bill Zovickian
Breeding Radiated Tortoises since 1971, long before CBW permits were ever imagined.

Hi Bill, thanks for your kind advice and offer! I will apply and if I was asked to provide that letter, I will be sure to ask for your kind help of providing that letter! Again, thanks!

Hi Bill. If you don't mind, would you pm me? I pm'ed you with my email and would like to have your email address. Thanks again!

Hello bill,
I came across your post on cbw permit. I myself am going to try to apply for one
on radiata tortoises. (beautiful tortoises). I was wondering it there is any chance i could have you email me a mentor letter? I currently purchase my first radiata and just love it! Well if you could please help me out, that would be great. Thanks, Chris