I found this on a site here in SA, this obviously doesn't involve anyone of you in the States of Europe, but this is such a load of dong...Just posted the article to find out what you guys think....Rich I know this is a corns only site, but I am an avid corn collector and lover and this law that the government is tying to pass is nonsense and affects all herp collectors in SA.
"I would not usually do this, but there are over 1 000 000 exotic snakes and lizards kept as pets in Johannesburg alone. The government has a draft prepared that will make 80% of these illegal to keep as they have the potential of becoming invasive. What they have not thought about is the fact that most of these people will release these exotic reptiles into the wild with WILL be a major problem if this legislation comes into effect. Should they not have thought about this BEFORE they allowed us to keep these animals? Is it not better for the government to control these reptiles by keeping them in a cage?
If you know of anyone who keeps reptiles, or is interested in reptiles, please ask them to join this fight. It will ultimately effect everyone if this legislation is passed. They can contact me on [email protected] to help.
Here is a more detailed explanation of what is going on:
The draft list has been published by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, and is open for comment. You can contact me, go to their website or ignore it, as you wish.
As far as reptiles and amphibians are concerned the following species are blacklisted. Prohibited list in terms of Section 67 of the Biodiversity Act (No 10, 2004)
Invasive Species Requiring Compulsory Control
Restrictions and Controls
Invasive species that require strict control. Only species where effective control is possible (including by individuals) are listed here.
1. May not import specimen into country (including from sea).
2. May not have in possession or exercise physical control over any Category 1a specimen.
3. May not grow, breed or in any other way propagate specimen, or cause it to multiply.
4. May not convey, move or otherwise translocate specimen.
5. May not sell, trade in, buy, receive, give, donate, accept as a gift, or in any other way acquire or dispose of a specimen.
6. May be prosecuted or served with directive if fail to comply.
7. Authorities may control species at owner's expense and risk.
Agama agama Agama, common
Ambystoma tigrinum Salamander, Tiger
Bufo bufo European toad
Bufo marinus Toad, marine / cane
Chelydra macroclemys Turtle, alligator snapper
Macrochelys temminckii Turtle, snapper
Boiga irregularis Tree snake, brown
Trachemys scripta elegans Slider, Red-eared
Hemidactylus garnotti Gecko, Indo-Pacific
Hemidactylus turcicus Gecko, Mediterranean
Hemidactylus frenatus Gecko, house
Tarentola mauritanica Wall gecko, Moorish
Litoria caerulea Treefrog, Whites
Osteopilus septentrionalis Treefrog, Cuban
Anolis distichus Anole, bark
Anolis sagrei Anole, brown
Basiliscus vittatus Basilisk Green
Leiocephalus carinatus Lizard, Northern curlytail
Eleutherodactylus coqui Coqui, Puerto Rican
Eleutherodactylus planirostris Frog, Greenhouse
Rana catesbeiana Bull frog, American.
Notophthalmus viridenscens viridescens Newt, Red-spotted
What this means is that if you have the above species you will be prosecuted. Your only legal recourse is to kill the animal. If not they can destroy all the animals which are invasive and give you the bill to pay, even if you only had one specimen.
Invasive Species Regulated by Activity
Invasive species that are permitted on a property, but for which certain activities are not permitted, e.g. sale no longer permitted; only zoological collections are permitted to have species.
1. May not import specimen into country (including from sea).
2. May not grow, breed or in any other way propagate specimen, or cause it to multiply.
3. May not convey, move or otherwise translocate specimen.
4. May not sell, trade in, buy, receive, give, donate, accept as a gift, or in any other way acquire or dispose of a specimen.
Gekko gecko, Gecko, Tokay
Iguana iguana, Iguana, green
What this means is that you cannot keep this animal however if you are not a zoological garden you may only kill it because you cannot even give it to the local zoo, because to get it there you have to transport it and even that is illegal.
Species Under Surveillance
Alien species that may be classified as listed invasives after due investigations, or
extra-limital species that may be classified as listed extralimital species after due
investigations.
1.The Minister may require that purchaser or recipient of land must be notified of the presence of Category 5 species on the land, if it is possible to know this.
2.Must notify purchaser of species itself that it is a Category 5 species.
Afroedura pondolia, Pondo flat gecko.
Afrogecko porphyreus Marbled leaf-toed gecko
Bradypodion damaranum Damara dwarf chameleon.
Hemidactylus cf. mabouia Gecko, tropical house
Bufo gutturalis, Guttural toad
Hyperolius marmoratus, Painted Reed frog
Agkistrodon contortrix Copperhead
Agkistrodon piscivorous Cottonmouth
Crotalus atrox Rattler, Western diamondbacked
Elaphe guttata Snake, corn
Elaphe obsoleta Snake, rat
Eublepharus macularius Gecko, Leopard
Lampropeltis getulus(ssp. californiae, nigritus, splendida) Kingsnake,
Californian/Mexican/Desert
Lampropeltis mexicana (ssp. Alterna) Kingsnake, Gray-banded
Lampropeltis pyromelana Kingsnake, Arizona mountain
Lampropeltis triangulum Snake, Mexican milk.
Morelia spilotes ssp Python, Carpet
Pituophis melanoleucus Snake, Gopher/Pine
Pogona barbata Dragon, Bearded
Ptyas mucosus Snake, Asian/Common rat
Uromastyx acanthinurus Lizard, Black spiny-tailed
Uromastyx aegypticus Lizard, Egyptian spiny-tailed
These are species that the authorities are looking into which can be upgraded quite easily and then they could fall into the above category. The first six are indigenous and permits will probably never be issued for keeping them as one or two specimens have been found outside their normal range. What is ironic is that the first gecko (Pondo Flat gecko) is regarded as under threat because of gecko number four displacing it (Tropical House gecko).
Mark my words, these species are going to be listed within no time and that will be the end of the reptile pet trade. As such you already have to notify anyone buying any of these species that it is under review and could be uplisted in future. If the new owner can prove you did not notify them and the species is listed higher then you will be held accountable and as such would have to pay reparations. Import of these species (even into other provinces) will also not be allowed at this time.
Some of the reasons for these animals being listed include:
Corn snake. Inhabits diverse habitats from wooded groves, rocky hillsides, meadowlands along water courses, around springs, woodlots, banyards and abandoned houses from sea level to 1900 m asl throughout South East USA and West and South to Texas and adjacent Mexico. Taxon originates from relatively similar climatic zone and general habitats than found in SA. Not known invader elsewhere but potential reproductive and niche competitor to SA Colubridae (several members)
Leopard gecko. A disjunct Southwest Asian distribution, including Iraq, Iran, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. Taxon originates from similar climatic zone and inhabitats rocky outcrops in semi-desert and montane regions of the Middle East, from Iran to Pakistan - similar habitats to those found in SA. Potential reproductive and niche competitor to SA Gekkonidae. Many specimens in captivity in SA.
The Carpet python (although the species is actually the diamond python): Those Australian subspecies originating from similar climatic zones and general habitats than found in SA may pose an invasive threat in general python habitats in South Africa. A number in captivity in South Africa.
The Bearded dragon: Agamid lizards, with Pogona barbata found in wetter, wooded areas in Eastern Australia, including cleared areas. Large terrestrial and semiarboreal
lizards, commonly seen in open woodlands, other species more semi-deserts to deserts, preferring arid climates. P. barbata common in recently-burned areas around Sydney. This taxon would be at home throughout most of SA and could be a reproductive and niche competitor to South African Agamidae. Bearded lizards are common garden fauna in suburban backyards in Australia. Not known to be invasive elsewhere but this taxon may pose a potential risk for invasion. (This species does not occur in South Africa in any case but they might realise they have the wrong species listed)
It is my opinion that the “experts” who drew up the lists are all from the Western Cape Nature Conservation, and as such does not say much as they cannot be considered experts in exotic reptiles. It seems as if they went to the list of invasive species of Florida, and South America, and spoke to somebody from Australia, looked in Bill Branches book, and that was as far as the research was undertaken. A quick look at a list of species applied for in the Cape was then included as well.
Not one exotic reptile or amphibian was listed as exempted from Risk Assessments i.e. they all have invasive potential until proven otherwise.
Now is the time to do something about it. I have done my share in the past and am not going to tackle this one as I am exempted from this because I have a zoo license. The ball is now in every amateur herper’s court to get together and take on the government and do what you have to, to halt or reverse this situation.
Feel free to post this on any other websites that may be interested.
For the original PDF files including mammals and birds you can mail me at [email protected]
__________________
Colin Fleming
Something Arty c.c.
www.somethingarty.co.za
Free Fax 2 Email
www.freefax2email.co.za
Rep-Tees.co.za What Herps Wear!
www.rep-tees.co.za
HerpSearch.co.za
www.herpsearch.co.za"
Comments???
"I would not usually do this, but there are over 1 000 000 exotic snakes and lizards kept as pets in Johannesburg alone. The government has a draft prepared that will make 80% of these illegal to keep as they have the potential of becoming invasive. What they have not thought about is the fact that most of these people will release these exotic reptiles into the wild with WILL be a major problem if this legislation comes into effect. Should they not have thought about this BEFORE they allowed us to keep these animals? Is it not better for the government to control these reptiles by keeping them in a cage?
If you know of anyone who keeps reptiles, or is interested in reptiles, please ask them to join this fight. It will ultimately effect everyone if this legislation is passed. They can contact me on [email protected] to help.
Here is a more detailed explanation of what is going on:
The draft list has been published by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, and is open for comment. You can contact me, go to their website or ignore it, as you wish.
As far as reptiles and amphibians are concerned the following species are blacklisted. Prohibited list in terms of Section 67 of the Biodiversity Act (No 10, 2004)
Invasive Species Requiring Compulsory Control
Restrictions and Controls
Invasive species that require strict control. Only species where effective control is possible (including by individuals) are listed here.
1. May not import specimen into country (including from sea).
2. May not have in possession or exercise physical control over any Category 1a specimen.
3. May not grow, breed or in any other way propagate specimen, or cause it to multiply.
4. May not convey, move or otherwise translocate specimen.
5. May not sell, trade in, buy, receive, give, donate, accept as a gift, or in any other way acquire or dispose of a specimen.
6. May be prosecuted or served with directive if fail to comply.
7. Authorities may control species at owner's expense and risk.
Agama agama Agama, common
Ambystoma tigrinum Salamander, Tiger
Bufo bufo European toad
Bufo marinus Toad, marine / cane
Chelydra macroclemys Turtle, alligator snapper
Macrochelys temminckii Turtle, snapper
Boiga irregularis Tree snake, brown
Trachemys scripta elegans Slider, Red-eared
Hemidactylus garnotti Gecko, Indo-Pacific
Hemidactylus turcicus Gecko, Mediterranean
Hemidactylus frenatus Gecko, house
Tarentola mauritanica Wall gecko, Moorish
Litoria caerulea Treefrog, Whites
Osteopilus septentrionalis Treefrog, Cuban
Anolis distichus Anole, bark
Anolis sagrei Anole, brown
Basiliscus vittatus Basilisk Green
Leiocephalus carinatus Lizard, Northern curlytail
Eleutherodactylus coqui Coqui, Puerto Rican
Eleutherodactylus planirostris Frog, Greenhouse
Rana catesbeiana Bull frog, American.
Notophthalmus viridenscens viridescens Newt, Red-spotted
What this means is that if you have the above species you will be prosecuted. Your only legal recourse is to kill the animal. If not they can destroy all the animals which are invasive and give you the bill to pay, even if you only had one specimen.
Invasive Species Regulated by Activity
Invasive species that are permitted on a property, but for which certain activities are not permitted, e.g. sale no longer permitted; only zoological collections are permitted to have species.
1. May not import specimen into country (including from sea).
2. May not grow, breed or in any other way propagate specimen, or cause it to multiply.
3. May not convey, move or otherwise translocate specimen.
4. May not sell, trade in, buy, receive, give, donate, accept as a gift, or in any other way acquire or dispose of a specimen.
Gekko gecko, Gecko, Tokay
Iguana iguana, Iguana, green
What this means is that you cannot keep this animal however if you are not a zoological garden you may only kill it because you cannot even give it to the local zoo, because to get it there you have to transport it and even that is illegal.
Species Under Surveillance
Alien species that may be classified as listed invasives after due investigations, or
extra-limital species that may be classified as listed extralimital species after due
investigations.
1.The Minister may require that purchaser or recipient of land must be notified of the presence of Category 5 species on the land, if it is possible to know this.
2.Must notify purchaser of species itself that it is a Category 5 species.
Afroedura pondolia, Pondo flat gecko.
Afrogecko porphyreus Marbled leaf-toed gecko
Bradypodion damaranum Damara dwarf chameleon.
Hemidactylus cf. mabouia Gecko, tropical house
Bufo gutturalis, Guttural toad
Hyperolius marmoratus, Painted Reed frog
Agkistrodon contortrix Copperhead
Agkistrodon piscivorous Cottonmouth
Crotalus atrox Rattler, Western diamondbacked
Elaphe guttata Snake, corn
Elaphe obsoleta Snake, rat
Eublepharus macularius Gecko, Leopard
Lampropeltis getulus(ssp. californiae, nigritus, splendida) Kingsnake,
Californian/Mexican/Desert
Lampropeltis mexicana (ssp. Alterna) Kingsnake, Gray-banded
Lampropeltis pyromelana Kingsnake, Arizona mountain
Lampropeltis triangulum Snake, Mexican milk.
Morelia spilotes ssp Python, Carpet
Pituophis melanoleucus Snake, Gopher/Pine
Pogona barbata Dragon, Bearded
Ptyas mucosus Snake, Asian/Common rat
Uromastyx acanthinurus Lizard, Black spiny-tailed
Uromastyx aegypticus Lizard, Egyptian spiny-tailed
These are species that the authorities are looking into which can be upgraded quite easily and then they could fall into the above category. The first six are indigenous and permits will probably never be issued for keeping them as one or two specimens have been found outside their normal range. What is ironic is that the first gecko (Pondo Flat gecko) is regarded as under threat because of gecko number four displacing it (Tropical House gecko).
Mark my words, these species are going to be listed within no time and that will be the end of the reptile pet trade. As such you already have to notify anyone buying any of these species that it is under review and could be uplisted in future. If the new owner can prove you did not notify them and the species is listed higher then you will be held accountable and as such would have to pay reparations. Import of these species (even into other provinces) will also not be allowed at this time.
Some of the reasons for these animals being listed include:
Corn snake. Inhabits diverse habitats from wooded groves, rocky hillsides, meadowlands along water courses, around springs, woodlots, banyards and abandoned houses from sea level to 1900 m asl throughout South East USA and West and South to Texas and adjacent Mexico. Taxon originates from relatively similar climatic zone and general habitats than found in SA. Not known invader elsewhere but potential reproductive and niche competitor to SA Colubridae (several members)
Leopard gecko. A disjunct Southwest Asian distribution, including Iraq, Iran, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. Taxon originates from similar climatic zone and inhabitats rocky outcrops in semi-desert and montane regions of the Middle East, from Iran to Pakistan - similar habitats to those found in SA. Potential reproductive and niche competitor to SA Gekkonidae. Many specimens in captivity in SA.
The Carpet python (although the species is actually the diamond python): Those Australian subspecies originating from similar climatic zones and general habitats than found in SA may pose an invasive threat in general python habitats in South Africa. A number in captivity in South Africa.
The Bearded dragon: Agamid lizards, with Pogona barbata found in wetter, wooded areas in Eastern Australia, including cleared areas. Large terrestrial and semiarboreal
lizards, commonly seen in open woodlands, other species more semi-deserts to deserts, preferring arid climates. P. barbata common in recently-burned areas around Sydney. This taxon would be at home throughout most of SA and could be a reproductive and niche competitor to South African Agamidae. Bearded lizards are common garden fauna in suburban backyards in Australia. Not known to be invasive elsewhere but this taxon may pose a potential risk for invasion. (This species does not occur in South Africa in any case but they might realise they have the wrong species listed)
It is my opinion that the “experts” who drew up the lists are all from the Western Cape Nature Conservation, and as such does not say much as they cannot be considered experts in exotic reptiles. It seems as if they went to the list of invasive species of Florida, and South America, and spoke to somebody from Australia, looked in Bill Branches book, and that was as far as the research was undertaken. A quick look at a list of species applied for in the Cape was then included as well.
Not one exotic reptile or amphibian was listed as exempted from Risk Assessments i.e. they all have invasive potential until proven otherwise.
Now is the time to do something about it. I have done my share in the past and am not going to tackle this one as I am exempted from this because I have a zoo license. The ball is now in every amateur herper’s court to get together and take on the government and do what you have to, to halt or reverse this situation.
Feel free to post this on any other websites that may be interested.
For the original PDF files including mammals and birds you can mail me at [email protected]
__________________
Colin Fleming
Something Arty c.c.
www.somethingarty.co.za
Free Fax 2 Email
www.freefax2email.co.za
Rep-Tees.co.za What Herps Wear!
www.rep-tees.co.za
HerpSearch.co.za
www.herpsearch.co.za"
Comments???