For example, Mexico has an excellent conservation and recovery program in place for the endangered morelet's crocodile, a species found only in Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. As part of the program, Mexico allows captive breeding of the species. The breeders must contribute financially to recovery of the species in the wild and provide individual crocodiles into the wild. In return, breeders may use some crocodiles they raise for commercial trade.

The Fish and Wildlife Service's proposal would allow import of some of these captive-reared crocodiles, effectively supporting Mexico's recovery program and the enhancement of the species in the wild.

Likewise, the Wild Bird Conservation Act calls on the Service to allow import of wild birds when it would enhance the survival of the species in the wild. Argentina has a strong conservation program for the blue fronted Amazon parrot, a relatively common bird. By allowing limited numbers of these parrots to be imported, the United States would be supporting Argentina's conservation efforts for the species.

Contrary to recent news reports, the FWS proposals do not deal with importation of elephant ivory, which is prohibited by federal law, nor do they deal with the hunting of endangered species in foreign country, which is not regulated by U.S. law.