Since 1940,Native Americans have been required to apply to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to obtain eagle carcasses or other parts.An increase in tribal populations and a revitalization of cultural practices has increased the demand for eagle parts and led to delays in filling requests.In a cooperative effort with the USFWS,the Pueblo of Zuni Indian Tribe recently revived the ancient Zuni practice of live eagle husbandry in order to both maintain this cultural'practice and make eagle feathers more widely available to tribal members.This is being accomplished in a manner consistent with modern raptor husbandry techniques,but in a Zuni-based context.Environmental professionals have assisted the project greatly,especially concerning the life history and behavioral needs of the birds and the implications for eagle conservation.Although we have explored and decided against the idea of breeding captive eagles so that their young may be released into the wild (because it goes against traditional Zuni beliefs),this is certainly a feasible option for other,similar facilities and would be strongly supported by the USFWS,conservation groups,and wildlife professionals.
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