(a) The importation, transportation, or acquisition is prohibited of live specimens of: (1) Any species of so-called “flying fox” or fruit bat of the genus Pteropus; (2) any species of mongoose or meerkat of the genera Atilax, Cynictis, Helogale, Herpestes, Ichneumia, Mungos, and Suricata; (3) any species of European rabbit of the genus Oryctolagus; (4) any species of Indian wild dog, red dog, or dhole of the genus Cuon; (5) any species of multimammate rat or mouse of the genus Mastomys; (6) any raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides; and (7) any brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula: Provided, that the Director shall issue permits authorizing the importation, transportation, and possession of such mammals under the terms and conditions set forth in § 16.22.

(b) Upon the filing of a written declaration with the District Director of Customs at the port of entry as required under § 14.61, all other species of live wild mammals may be imported, transported, and possessed in captivity, without a permit, for scientific, medical, educational, exhibition, or propagating purposes, but no such live wild mammals or any progeny thereof may be released into the wild except by the State wildlife conservation agency having jurisdiction over the area of release or by persons having prior written permission for release from such agency: Provided, That the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to live game mammals from Mexico, the importation of which is governed by regulations under part 14 of this chapter.