The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has proposed changes to regulations on the Importation and Possession of Wild Animals (250-RICR-40-05-3). The proposal will ban two tegu genera (Salvator and Tupinamibis, with other genera already banned). This new ban would include Argentine Black-and-white tegus, Blue tegus, Red tegus, and Colombian Gold tegus. Also, African Giant Land snails will be banned, and a clarification will be made regarding exemptions for animal “dealers.” The changes can be read at the link below. Note that only underlined changes in red or purple text are new. The black text is the current regulation. The tegu ban likely stems from the discovery of a tegu in a driveway in January 2026. While the tegu would have died had it not been rescued, escapes and releases easily trigger bans.
The comment deadline is May 20, 2026. Email comments to David Kalb at: david.kalb@dem.ri.gov
Public meeting: 5:30 P.M. on May 12, 2026, at the DFW Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter, RI, 02822
LINK to proposed rule: https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/26-RI-reg.pdf
Sample letter
Email address: david.kalb@dem.ri.gov
Subject line: No to tegu ban
I write today as a Rhode Island resident opposing the proposed ban on two tegu genera, Salvator and Tupinamibis. The species in these genera are common pet lizards. I fully support protecting Rhode Island’s natural resources and wildlife, but these lizards are not an invasive species threat in our state or invasive within 1,000 miles of our state. This ban is unreasonable. There is no valid reason to stop the ownership, trade, and commercialization of this species.
This prohibition is unjust and unfair, with no justification such as invasive species or public safety risks. Thank you, and have a good day.
