Amendments have been proposed to the Illinois Herptiles-Herps Act. These changes are summarized below.
Summary of changes (including but not limited to):
- writes a new Herptile Endangered and Threatened Species Propagation Permit section (specifically stating that morphs are included);
- adds a section on medically significant amphibians;
- adds new terms and definitions;
- adds a new chapter for herptile disease;
- amends taking of bullfrogs;
- adds these species as Medically Significant Rear-fanged Colubridae: Blanding’s tree snake (Toxicodendron), Green palmsnake or Common green racer (Philodryas [Chlorosoma] viridissima).
Public comment ends on September 23, 2024, and comments must be submitted to the email or mailing address below:
email: dnr.rules@illinois.gov
Contact person: John Fischer, Legal Counsel
Department of Natural Resources
One Natural Resources
Springfield, IL 62702
217-782-1809
You can read all amendments here (underlined blue text is new and strikethrough text will be deleted): https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/24-IL-herp.pdf
Amendment highlights (changes include but are not limited to the below):
new Herptile Endangered and Threatened Species Propagation Permit section: begins on page 19 at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/24-IL-herp.pdf
new section on Herptile diseases: Begins on page 29.
new section: Medically significant poisonous/venomous amphibians, capable of causing bodily harm to humans or animals, shall be allowed for educational purposes or research purposes by bona fide scientific or educational institutions. Medically significant amphibians include, but are not limited to, cane or marine toads (Bufo marinus), Colorado river toads (Bufo alvarius), Smooth-sided toad (Rhaebo [Bufo] guttatus), any South American/ beaked/Rio Viejo toads (genus Rhinella), Bruno’s casque headed frog (Aparasphenodon brunoi), Greening’s frog (Corythomantis greening), Spring-headed or Coronated tree frog (Anotheca [Triprion] spinosa), and Ranwella’s horned tree frog (Polypedates ranwellai).
new for Herptile Scientific Collection Permit Application: Any person who is under the direct control of the applicant, or who is employed by or under control
of the applicant and will be assisting with the activities authorized under a HSCP must be listed in the permit application.
new for Herptile Scientific Collection Permit Provisions: Except as otherwise stated on the face of a permit, any person who is under the direct control of the permittee, or who is employed by or under control of the permittee for the purposes authorized by the permit, may carry out the activity authorized by the permit. Additional persons or agents must be disclosed on the application.
new for Herpetoculture Permit: Any person who is under the direct control of the applicant, or who is employed by or under control of the applicant and will be assisting with the activities authorized under a Herpetoculture Permit must be listed in the permit application. AND: Except as otherwise stated on the face of a permit, any person who is under the direct control of the permittee, or who is employed by or under control of the permittee for the purposes authorized by the permit, may carry out the activity authorized by the permit. Additional persons or agents must be disclosed on the application.
