[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 237 (Thursday, December 10, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 68291-68292] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-32817] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Emergency Exemption: Issuance On November 26, 1998, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) issued a permit (PRT-005319) to Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York to import 33 angulated/plowshare tortoises (Geochelone ynipora) into the United States at the request of the Management Authority of the Netherlands. The 30-day public comment period required by section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act was waived. The Service determined that an emergency affecting the survival of these tortoises existed and that no reasonable alternative was available to [[Page 68292]] the applicant. The seized animals were at risk because of the immediate need for disease screening and health evaluation which could best be preformed in the United States and overcrowding in the Netherlands quarantine facility. Dated: December 4, 1998. MaryEllen Amtower, Acting Chief, Branch of Permits, Office of Management Authority. [FR Doc. 98-32817 Filed 12-9-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P