The importance of permits for effective population management.

The global management of animal populations to ensure sustainability depends on inter-regional transfers of animals in many cases. Regulatory and permitting requirements can be significant challenges to effective population management. This brief communication lays out practice advice for easing the regulatory burden and facilitating successful permitting. Advice is provided on meeting enhancement requirements at the institutional and TAG levels, and TAGs are encouraged to make longer term plans for imports of animals so that blanket permits can be obtained. Regular meetings with regulatory agencies and participation in AZA legislative affairs events are recommended to strengthen personal relationships and facilitate communication between zoos and regulatory bodies. Zoos and Aquariums should also provide professional development support for registrars to increase their capacity to navigate the permitting landscape.