Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone know the best way to go about applying for a CBW permit for Galapagos and Radiated tortoises? Looking to start a breeding project with Radiateds. Thanks

Chris

The application form for a CBW Permit is at this site: http://permits.fws.gov/ Click on "Application Forms", then find "Captive Bred Wildlife Registration (CBW/3-200-41" in the alphabetical list under the category entitled "Endangered Species Act (ESA)"

Fill it out and send in with the $200 fee, good for 3 years, and wait to hear what else they may ask of you. It can take from one to six months to get the Permit, depending upon your experience with tortoises and ability to fill out the form with the info which the biologists require.

If you have had experience with tortoises similar in size and requirements to Radiateds, you have a good chance of getting the permit. Be sure to mention that you realize they grow to a large size and will have adequate space for them when they are mature (both indoors and outdoors). Also mention that you will participate in the Studbook and follow the breeding recommendations of the studbook keeper.

Good luck. If you have specific questions, let me know privately.

Bill Z

Note: This URL directly to the application form itself was good as of 29 June 2009:

http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-41.pdf

I might add to what Dr. Z said to include that your plan is to acquire "genetically diverse surplus" offspring from existing breeder CBW participants. Describe your setups, diet, UV lighting, etc. and that you have successfully bred chelonians of some sort and discuss incubation mediums. You need not have to get overly technical when documenting. If you have not bred, ask another successful radiated breeder to be a mentor to your efforts and ask for a reference letter.

If all is outlined properly you will not be denied the permit- to date I have not heard of anyone being denied. Worst case, the process might get delayed until you submit the proper information. Also, after the first 3 years, it is only $100 to renew every 3 years. I would encourage anyone who has a love for tortoises to submit an application. Working with radiated tortoises is very rewarding and you will not find a more heartier, colorful species. Further, they won't eat you out of the house like a leopard or sulcatta tortoise. They get a nice size yet still are manageable for indoor husbandry- even large breeders! The yellow skin set against a black high-dome shell with a variety of yellow striations is truly a sight to behold.

Thanks to both of you for your awesome feedback. To date I haven't had any experience breeding tortoises, but have successfully bred box turtles. I have 5 years of experience at keeping tortoises, as I have a pair of aldabra tortoises as well as a few star tortoises.
--John, you mentioned a getting a mentor;that sounds like a good idea either way (having breeding experience or not.) Can you point me in the right direction as to where to look for one, or basically should I just email around?
Thanks again to both of you, you have been very helpful.

Feel free to contact me offline through username link. But, your successful breeding of box turtles will suffice in the requirement of "breeding same or similar" species. That is why I outlined "chelonians" in general.

Hello:
Where do you find the web site to fillout the cbw permit?
Does it only apply to native animals?
Thanks.