Hypothetical case

[Sally Shelton]

A question I got from a museum studies student following a review of =
wildlife laws:=20

If an artifact containing wildlife parts (e.g. a headdress with feathers =
from listed species) is purchased in Country A, but seized by Customs upon =
the purchaser's entering Country B, what (if any) obligation does Country =
B have to Country A? Should Country B notify Country A that the item has =
been seized? Should Country B attempt to repatriate the item to the =
government of Country A? Is Country B justified if it reposits the item in =
its own governmental repository or museum withourt notifying Country A?=20

If the US is Country B, at what point does USFWS enter the picture if such =
an item is seized by Customs?=20

Thanks for your help.

Cheers,
Sally Shelton
Collections Officer
National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian Institution
phone (202) 786-2601, FAX (202) 786-2328
email <Shelton.Sally at nmnh.si.edu>