(C) the ecological characteristics and re-
quirements of populations of rare felids or rare 
canids for which there are little or no data; 
(5) promote cooperative projects among govern-
ment entities, affected local communities, nongovern-
mental organizations, and other persons in the pri-
vate sector; or 
(6) funds will not be appropriated for the pur-
chase or lease of lands to be used as suitable habitat 
for felids or canids. 
(e) PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY.—In approving project 
proposals under this section, the Secretary shall give pref-
erence to conservation projects that are designed to ensure 
effective, long-term conservation of rare felids and rare 
canids and their habitats. 
(f) MATCHING FUNDS.—In determining whether to 
approve project proposals under this section, the Secretary 
shall give preference to projects for which there exists 
some measure of matching funds. 
(g) PROJECT REPORTING.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Each person that receives 
assistance under this section for a project shall sub-
mit to the Secretary periodic reports (at such inter-
vals as the Secretary considers necessary) that in-
clude all information that the Secretary, after con-
sultation with other appropriate government offi-
cials, determines is necessary to evaluate the 
progress and success of the project for the purposes 
of ensuring positive results, assessing problems, and 
fostering improvements. 
(2) AVAILABILITY
TO
THE
PUBLIC.—Reports 
under paragraph (1), and any other documents re-
lating to projects for which financial assistance is 
provided under this Act, shall be made available to 
the public. 
(h) LIMITATIONS ON USE FOR CAPTIVE BREEDING 
OR DISPLAY.—Amounts provided as a grant under this 
Act—
(1) may not be used for captive breeding or dis-
play of rare felids and rare canids other than captive 
breeding for release into the wild; and 
(2) may be used for captive breeding of a spe-
cies for release into the wild only if no other con-
servation method for the species is biologically fea-
sible. 
(i) LIMITATION ON ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN SPE-
CIES.—Of amounts available for a fiscal year for providing 
financial assistance under this section, the Secretary may 
not use more than 25 percent to provide assistance for 
projects that target rare canid and rare felid species that
are not listed in paragraph (5)(B) or (6)(B), respectively, 
of section 4. 
(j) ADVISORY GROUP.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—To assist in carrying out 
this Act, the Secretary may convene an advisory 
group consisting of individuals representing public 
and private organizations actively involved in the 
conservation of felids and canids. 
(2) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.—
(A) 
MEETINGS.—The 
advisory 
group 
shall—
(i) ensure that each meeting of the 
advisory group is open to the public; and 
(ii) provide, at each meeting, an op-
portunity for interested persons to present 
oral or written statements concerning 
items on the agenda. 
(B) NOTICE.—The Secretary shall provide 
to the public timely notice of each meeting of 
the advisory group, including the meeting agen-
da. 
(C) MINUTES.—Minutes of each meeting 
of the advisory group shall be kept by the Sec-
retary and shall be made available to the public.
(3) EXEMPTION
FROM
FEDERAL
ADVISORY 
COMMITTEE ACT.—The Federal Advisory Committee 
Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the advisory 
group. 
SEC. 6. GREAT CATS AND RARE CANIDS CONSERVATION 
FUND. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established, in the 
Multinational Species Conservation Fund established in 
title I of the Department of the Interior and Related 
Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 under the heading 
‘‘MULTINATIONAL 
SPECIES 
CONSERVATION 
FUND’’, a separate account to be known as the ‘‘Great 
Cats and Rare Canids Conservation Fund’’, consisting 
of—
(1) amounts transferred to the Secretary of the 
Treasury for deposit into such account under sub-
section (e); 
(2) amounts appropriated to such account 
under section 7; and 
(3) any interest earned on investment of 
amounts in the account under subsection (c). 
(b) EXPENDITURES FROM FUND.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), 
upon request by the Secretary, the Secretary of the 
Treasury shall transfer from the Fund to the Sec-