U.S. Prohibits Imports of 201 Salamander Species

The Fish and Wildlife Service has issued an interim rule adding 201 species of salamanders from 20 genera to the list of injurious amphibians. This rule is effective as of 28 January and comments are due by 14 March.

Under this rule both the importation and interstate transportation of any live or dead specimen of these salamanders (including parts, but excluding eggs or gametes) are prohibited except by permit for zoological, educational, medical or scientific purposes or by federal agencies without a permit solely for their own use. Prohibited imports include shipments transiting through the United States on their way to foreign destinations.

Direct export is still allowed from a designated port or other location with a designated port exception permit but any export must occur directly from the state where the species are present. Salamanders may not be transported between states by any means for the purpose of eventual export, and any export shipments that violate this prohibition will be subject to seizure and forfeiture regardless of whether the exporter knew that such transport would occur. In addition, Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora export documents are still required if the specimen is listed on any CITES appendices.

Violators will face penalties that include up to six months in prison and fines as high as US$5,000 for individuals or US$10,000 for organisations.