NR 1.17(4)(a)(a) Many nongame species require the development of new survey techniques as well as a system to monitor population trends. Annual surveys will not be required for most species. Indications of marked population declines will require more frequent and precise surveys to determine if management action is required. Endangered and threatened species will require close monitoring until they become more abundant. NR 1.17(4)(b)(b) A nongame program must rely on the knowledge available for each individual species to be managed. Research projects will be initiated as required to provide the following information: life history, habitat requirements, population distribution and abundance, census methods, management techniques and effects of land use changes, pesticides or other environmental population depressants. NR 1.17(5)(5) Propagation and stocking. Due to habitat changes or other ecological factors, a species may decline to the extent that viable breeding populations are absent. In this event, a reintroduction program would be considered and evaluated to determine potential adverse interactions with other species, and any environmental factors that would negate successful establishment. Wisconsin pledges cooperation with other state and federal agencies in feasible reintroduction programs which require the capture and export of Wisconsin wildlife. NR 1.17 HistoryHistory: Cr. Register, July, 1977, No. 259, eff. 8-1-77; corrections in (2) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, September, 1999, No. 525. NR 1.18NR 1.18 Captive birds and mammals. NR 1.18(1)(a)(a) “Captivity” or “captive” means the state of confinement within a fence, pen, cage, house or similar enclosure. NR 1.18(1)(b)(b) “Captive game farm birds and mammals” means birds and mammals which were propagated in captivity. NR 1.18(1)(c)(c) “Wildlife” means birds and mammals which have inhabited and were propagated in a natural environment. NR 1.18(2)(a)(a) Authorized activities involving captive wildlife result in recreational, educational and economic benefits. The department, when feasible, will establish joint permit systems with other agencies having jurisdiction of the protected wildlife. NR 1.18(2)(b)(b) Permits authorizing possession of captive wildlife or captive game farm birds and mammals shall be denied or revoked upon a showing that such possession results in care practices which are not humane, adequate or sanitary. NR 1.18(2)(c)(c) The department may receive confiscated wildlife and shall render care consistent with standards and guidelines established for captive, protected wildlife. NR 1.18(3)(a)(a) First aid and temporary care administered to orphaned, injured or confiscated wildlife may provide important benefits to the scientific community through knowledge gained during such treatment as well as benefit the wildlife being treated. NR 1.18(3)(b)(b) Necessary standards for facilities and care shall be established to assure proper care and confinement. NR 1.18(3)(c)(c) Skunks may not be held under this permit authority. NR 1.18(3)(d)(d) Wildlife may be destroyed by the department or permittees when there is no hope of successful release to the wild or for cost free use for falconry, wildlife exhibits, propagation, zoos or educational institutions. NR 1.18(3)(e)(e) The department may not actively engage in a rehabilitation program but provide coordination of referrals to authorized rehabilitators. The department may continue to provide care for confiscated wildlife. NR 1.18(4)(a)(a) The use of certain species of raptors for the pursuit and capture of wild animals is a legitimate use of a natural resource which requires skill and dedication on that part of the user and may yield important biological, ecological and other scientific knowledge of predatory birds. NR 1.18(4)(b)(b) Because of the complexities of the sport, permit applicants will be tested for their knowledge of basic biology, raptor care, literature, laws, and regulations. NR 1.18(4)(c)(c) Special hunting seasons may be established within the biological limits of the wildlife species to provide recreational opportunities. NR 1.18(4)(d)(d) When the security of any wild population of raptor is in doubt or in jeopardy, the department shall prohibit the use of wild-trapped birds of that species for falconry. NR 1.18(4)(e)(e) The use of raptors hatched, raised or rehabilitated in captivity will be encouraged for falconry to reduce the use of wild raptors. NR 1.18(4)(f)(f) The department will encourage educational efforts to improve the public’s knowledge of raptors and monitor the program, particularly regarding the health, care, taking and transfer of raptors. NR 1.18(5)(a)(a) The use of game farm birds and mammals or wildlife which cannot be released to the wild for advertising or exhibition purposes serves the public interest when the public’s general knowledge of wildlife is increased by such use. NR 1.18(5)(b)(b) Standards for facilities and care shall be reviewed by the department to insure humane and sanitary treatment of captive birds and mammals and compliance with the animal welfare act of 1966 (P.L. 89-544), as amended.