Action Alert: Nevada

Remember to be professional and courteous at all times!

Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners: Commission Regulation 17-02, Noncommercial Collection of Reptiles and Amphibians, Amendment #1: For Possible Action/Public Comment Allowed

Summary: The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners may consider making changes to the current regulation regarding the noncommercial hobby collecting of non-threatened (or “unprotected”) species of reptiles and amphibians. Species on the State unprotected list already currently have bag and possession limits (details at goo.gl/S1Ghza), so they are actually still protected by law.

A major issue lies with the fact that those dedicated enthusiasts breeding these species will have more than the bag and possession limits allow. They are not removing animals from the wild, but are breeding them under human care. Also, sustainable collection does not harm the future of native populations and can strengthen the gene pools of animals kept by humans.

Nevada herp enthusiasts and conservationists would like to use this public comment period for suggesting the creation and implementation of a legal captive propagation system. Unfortunately, Nevada does not allow the breeding and selling of native species. By allowing Nevada herpetoculturists to breed native species, the pressure upon wild animals will be alleviated, if not removed entirely (demand for native species could be met through captive breeding efforts).

Talking Points

1. The possession of non-threatened reptile and amphibian species should not become a criminal activity in Nevada.
2. A practical and common sense propagation permit system must be developed.
3. Nevada should now develop a system to safeguard the responsible and dedicated breeders of these species. Otherwise, unintended consequences will be rampant.
4. Devoted keepers understand the husbandry of these animals, thus their great successes breeding them under human care. These offspring allow for enhanced appreciation among members of the public, leading to increased support for conservation efforts.

Sample email/letter. Feel free to edit/customize!

Subject line:

Regarding Noncommercial Collection of Reptiles and Amphibians

Text:

Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners and Officials,

As a reptile and amphibian lover who appreciates both wild animals and the animals kept under human care which allow us a much better understanding of their wild counterparts, I urge that you do not decrease 2017/2018 bag and possession limits. Keeping of these animals should also remain legal in the future. Moving forward, Nevada must develop and implement a propagation permit system for Nevada’s native species. Those who keep and breed these animals cannot be demonized and punished as if they are illegal wildlife traffickers.

A Nevada teenager who decides to breed and sell Great Basin gopher snakes or common chuckwallas is a criminal in Nevada. Not only would he or she be violating a possession limit (with both the offspring if kept over a set amount of time or if the individual wanted to have an adult male and two adult females), but selling the offspring is also a criminal activity. This is a huge problem! The practice of keeping and breeding native species is how many conservationists and biologists became inspired to pursue their careers. With an ever-decreasing amount of “wild” remaining, many people can only learn to appreciate native species by interacting with them at home. People who keep herps are huge contributors to their conservation efforts.

Please listen to the common sense voices of those with sincere appreciation of our native species. Thank you for your time and understanding on this complex matter. I look forward to hearing word on the future, practical propagation permit system and continued legal ownership of non-threatened herp species. Have a good day.