(a) The Secretary shall conduct investigations of nongame wildlife in order to develop information relating to population, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors, and other biological and ecological data to determine conservation measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of these determinations the Secretary shall issue proposed regulations not later than July 1, 1977 and develop conservation programs designed to insure the continued ability of nongame wildlife deemed in need of conservation to perpetuate themselves successfully. The Secretary shall conduct ongoing investigations of nongame wildlife.

(b) The Secretary, by regulations, shall adopt limitations relating to taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale or offer for sale, or shipment necessary to conserve nongame wildlife.

(c) (1) Except as provided in regulations adopted by the Secretary, a person may not take, possess, transport, export, process, sell, offer for sale, or ship nongame wildlife deemed by the Secretary to be in need of conservation pursuant to this section.

(2) A common or contract carrier may not knowingly transport or receive for shipment nongame wildlife deemed by the Secretary to be in need of conservation pursuant to this section.