FWS Seeks Comments on Prohibiting Imports, Etc. of Pythons, Boas, Eunectes
The Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a notice of inquiry which seeks comments from the public to aid FWS in determining if a proposed rule is warranted to add constrictor snakes in the Python, Boa, and Eunectes genera to the list of injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act.
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Comments are due by April 30, 2008.
Injurious Listing Would Prohibit Importation, Interstate Transportation
The FWS states that listing these constrictor snakes as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act (50 CFR Part 16) would prohibit their importation into or transportation between states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the U.S. by any means, without a permit. (Permits may be issued for scientific, medical, educational, or zoological purposes.)
FWS Seeks Comments on Biological, Economic Impact of Adding Species to List
FWS is soliciting biological, economic or other data on adding species in the Python, Boa, and Eunectes genera to the list of injurious wildlife. Specifically, the FWS is seeking comments on the following (partial list):
the number of species in the Python, Boa and Eunectes genera that are currently in production for wholesale or retail sale; the number of businesses that sell these species; the number that breed them; and annual sales for these species;
the number of Python, Boa or Eunectes species, if any, permitted within each state;
the cost to eradicate Python, Boa or Eunectes individuals or populations, or similar species, if found;
the costs of implementing propagation, recovery, and restoration programs for native species that are affected by these or similar snake species; and
the state-listed species that would be or have already been impacted by the introduction of Python, Boa or Eunectes species.
Florida Water District Petitioned to Include Burmese Pythons on Injurious List
FWS notes that in September 2006, it received a petition from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) requesting that Burmese pythons be considered for inclusion in the injurious wildlife regulations pursuant to the Lacey Act. SFWMD was concerned about the number of Burmese pythons found in Florida, particularly in the Everglades National Park.
FWS contact - Erin Williams (703) 358-2034
FWS notice (D/N FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015; 94410-1342-0000-N3, FR Pub 01/31/08) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-1770.pdf