Reptile & Amphibian Forums

was wondering how hard it was to get a permit for any of the appendix 1 tortoises, such as the radiated?

What are you hopeing to do? Are you trying to import Radiata or just get a federal permit to keep them?
CW

to buy animals from outside my state i understand i need a federal permit, i was wondering what you need to get the permit, such as past sucess with other species.

I applied for a permit for a Galapagos Tortoise about 2 years ago. Some things to consider are as follows. Keep in mind this is my experince and may or may not reflect other people's experiences.

1.) Do you know people who have a permit or keep the species? I obatined letters of support from a gentlemen in my area. The gist of letter was that my friend recommended me as a permit holder and experienced keeper and promised to support me in any questions or advice that may be needed in regards to Galapagos.
You will also be expected to postualte who you will buy your tortoises from. This of course would be from another permit holder to which you would need their permit number. You don't have to buy from this person, but they want you to demonstrate that you are buying from permitted keepers.

2.)Do you have a enclosure set up for the species? You will be expected to describe not only your other tortoise experiences but why you would be a good keeper for an engangered species. Be prepared to send good photos of the enclosure. I initially took digital photos and printed them out and sent them in. Those were not good enough. So I bought a disposable camera and took pictures of the enclosure the Galapagos would be raised in. These turned out much better and were accepted. I also remember having to disclose what species I have kept, how many eggs I hatched and how many tortoises I have lost to death and why.

3.) My process took 60 days total. I overnighted every piece of mail that I returned to show that I was serious. I believe this made my process go that much quicker.

Food for thought...

Tortuga