Wildlife Diversity Permits: Scientific Permit for Research

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Any research on a Texas State Park or Natural Area, will require a Texas State Parks Research Permit, not the Wildlife Diversity Scientific Permit for Research. Please send State Park research requests to SPPermits@tpwd.texas.gov with a brief proposal (Title, Objectives, Justification, Means/Methods, Location, Project Dates)

Application packets must be obtained from TPWD, completed and returned along with two letters of recommendation from individuals in an appropriate biological or professional field. If you wish to collect or hold an endangered species you must provide written justification explaining how the species will benefit from the proposed activity. These permits do not allow the sale of animals. Permits are issued for three years, and a report is required each year in order to maintain the permit.

Persons representing grade schools or certain governmental organizations are exempt from the permit fee. Facilities for housing live animals must meet minimum requirements specified by regulation.

A Scientific Permit for Research is required to collect, salvage, band, or hold native Texas wildlife for scientific purposes. Scientific purposes include activities aimed at enhancing, protecting, conserving, or managing protected wildlife, or furthering scientific understanding of a resource or the environment.

• Application for Scientific Permit for Research | Word
  • Sub-permittee form | Word
  • Fee exemption form | Word
• Scientific Permit for Research annual report | Word
  • Annual report and species collection report information sheet | Word
• General facility standards | PDF
• Notice regarding access to Scientific Permit for Research customer information | PDF
• Receipt for donation of fish or wildlife specimens | Word
• TAC Title 31, PT 2 TPWD, Ch 69 Resource Protection, Subchapter J Rules for Scientific, Educational, and Zoological Permits

Bird Permits: Migratory Birds

If you plan to apply for a permit that includes the authority to handle migratory birds (rehabilitation, educational display of birds, or scientific collecting of migratory bird species), you will also be required to apply for a federal permit. Applications and further information can be found at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Permits.

Accessibility

These forms are provided for your convenience only. If they are inaccessible to you for any reason, you may request that a copy be sent to you through the mail. Should you have questions regarding these permits, the regulations or application process, you may e-mail wpoffice@tpwd.texas.gov.