PUBLIC SUBMISSION | As of: February 16, 2009 Tracking No. 8053e9ba Comments Due: April 30, 2008 |
Docket: FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015
Injurious Wildlife Species; Review of Information Concerning Constrictor Snakes from Python, Boa, and Eunectes genera
Comment On: FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015-0001
Injurious Wildlife Species; Review of Information Concerning Constrictor Snakes From Python, Boa, and Eunectes genera
Document: FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015-1315
Comment on FR Doc # E8-01770
San Leandro, CA, 94577
I am writing a response to the Notice of Inquiry "Injurious Wildlife Species; Review
of Information Concerning Constrictor Snakes From Python, Boa, and Eunectes
genera”.
I have been keeping reptiles for 10 years as a hobby, concentrating on
constrictors in the Boa family. I get involved in my local reptile enthusiast
societies and associations. I have participated in educational outreach programs
in regards to reptiles (boas and iguanas in particular) at reptile convention shows
and local nature centers.
1) What regulations does your State have pertaining to use, transport, or
production of Python, Boa and Eunectes genera?
From The State of California Fish and Game Department Title 14, regulations
include: Ҥ2118. Unlawful To Import, Etc. Specified Animals; Exceptions Р(f)
Class Reptilia (snakes, lizards, turtles, alligators) Family Crocodilidae All
species.” As well as “§671. Importation, Transportation and Possession of Live
Restricted Animals. (a) It shall be unlawful to import, transport, or possess alive
animals restricted in subsection (c) below except under permit issued by the
Department of Fish and Game.” The restricted reptiles are from the Order
Crocodillia, snapping turtles, gila monster, and all non-native venomous reptiles.
There are also regulations for releases of wild animals: Ҥ2121. Escape or Release
of Wild Animals: No person having possession or control over any wild animal
under this chapter shall intentionally free, or knowingly permit the escape, or
release of such an animal, except in accordance with the regulations of the
commission.” As well as “§671.6. Release of Animals Into the Wild a) No person
shall release into the wild without written permission of the Commission any wild
animal (as defined by Section 2116 of the Fish and Game Code)”.
2) How many species in the Python, Boa and Eunectes genera are currently in
production for wholesale or retail sale, and in how many and which States?
A vast majority of pythons, boas and eunectes are being bred in captivity. I do not
have specific numbers per state. There are at least 10 species of boas, 15
species of pythons and 2 species of eunectes that I can think of off-hand readily
available through captive breeding. A source for useful information may be the
classified listings in Reptiles Magazine or www.kingsnake.com.
3) How many businesses sell Python, Boa and Eunectes species?
There are hundreds of reptile breeding businesses as well as wholesalers,
importers and retail stores that sell reptiles including those species. In my
county, there are at least 5 reptile specific retail stores within a 20 minute driving
distance. This does not include PetCo and PetSmart that typically sell ball
pythons, boa constrictors as well as a variety of other common reptiles (leopard
geckos, tomato frogs, corn snakes) and invertebrates. There are also many
stores that specialize in selling just the caging, heating, décor, husbandry tools
as well as feeders for these species.
4) How many businesses breed Python, Boa and Eunectes species?
I do not have an accurate number for the total in the United States. There are
large breeding facilities plus any number of hobbyists that breed these species in
each state where it is legal to do so.
5) What are the annual sales for Python, Boa and Eunectes species?
I do not have access to these numbers.
6) Please provide the number of Python, Boa and Eunectes species, if any,
permitted within each State.
In California the only species that require a permit are: (From §671. Importation,
Transportation and Possession of Live Restricted Animals. Paragraph 7)
(A) Order Crocodilia-Crocodiles, Caimans, Alligators and Gavials All species (D).
(B) Family Chelyridae-Snapping Turtles-All species (D).
(C) Family Elapidae-Cobras, Coral Snakes, Mambas, Kraits, etc. All species (D).
(D) Family Viperidae-Adders and Vipers, All species (D).
(E) Family Crotalidae-Pit Vipers, All species (D), except Crotalus viridis (Western
rattlesnake), Crotalus atrox (Western diamondback rattlesnake), Crotalus ruber
(red diamondback rattlesnake), Crotalus scutulatus (Mojave rattlesnake), Crotalus
mitchelli (Speckled rattlesnake) and Crotalus cerastes (Sidewinder) not restricted.
(F) Family Colubridae-Colubrids
1. Dispholidus typus (Boomslang) (D).
2. Theoltornis kitlandii (Bird or vine snake) (D).
(G) Family Helodermatidae
1. Heloderma suspectum suspectum
(reticulate Gila monster) (D).
All other species are allowed.
7) What would it cost to eradicate Python, Boa and Eunectes individuals or
populations, or similar species, if found?
Estimating the total economic impact of non-native species is extremely difficult
because there are no agencies that accumulate these statistics. It would be
difficult to eradicate these species due to the habitat where they would be able to
exist, which are tropical regions with a permanent water source within a limited
range of warm temperatures.
8) What are the costs of implementing propagation, recovery, and restoration
programs for native species that are affected by Python, Boa and Eunectes
species, or similar snake species?
Unknown as there are currently no native species affected by Python, Boa,
Eunectes or similar snake species in California.
9) What State-listed species would be impacted by the introduction of Python,
Boa and Eunectes species?
In general, these species diets consist of small mammals (rodents, rabbits, bats),
birds, amphibians, lizards and other snakes.
10) What species have been impacted, and how, by Python, Boa and Eunectes
species?
None. The California Department of Fish and Game lists amphibians
(salamanders, frogs) and reptiles (turtles, colubrids) that have been introduced in
this state, but no pythons, boas or Eunectes species. To the best of my
knowledge the only area of the United States that has had two of these species
(boa and python) introduced and established is southern Florida. Due to the
limited environmental conditions these species can tolerate as well as thrive in,
they are not pervasive in the majority of the United States. These species are
overwhelmingly tropical animals found mainly in neotropical regions, tropical
deciduous forests and jungles from sea level to moderate elevations. They require
a permanent water source as excessive dehydration invariably spells death.
I do appreciate this opportunity to respond to this Notice of Inquiry and I trust that
the USFWS will make a thorough evaluation of the facts. The reptile industry
encompasses a wide variety of commerce from food, skin-trade, pet-trade as well
as the companies that provide the items for use in this business/hobby.
Sincerely,
April Yohn
Sources:
California Department of Fish and Game, regulations and codes
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/pdffiles/fg1518.pdf
California Department of Fish and Game, list of introduced species
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/species/nuis_exo/exo_spp.html)
Report “Invasive Non-Native Species: Background and Issues for Congress”
http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/RL30123.pdf
Response from Michael Cota, herpetologist working in SE Asia
“The Giant Snakes” by Clifford Pope, pages 12, 25, 26, 108