01/08/2025
Read more at www.usark.org/25salamander/.
In January 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published an interim rule listing 201 species (20 genera) of salamanders as injurious under the Lacey Act. FWS has now finalized that rule and written an interim rule that adds 16 genera (about 164 species), opening a public comment period regarding those species. The final rule will appear in the Federal Register on January 10, 2025. You can read a prefiled version at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/25-FWS-salamander-rule.pdf.
The interim rule applies to all species in these 16 genera: Ambystoma, Andrias, Aneides, Aquiloeurycea, Calotriton, Chiropterotriton, Cryptobranchus, Desmognathus, Ensatina, Eurycea, Laotriton, Ommatotriton, Pachytriton, Proteus, Pseudobranchus, and Pseudotriton.
What this means: The listed species may not be imported into the United States nor shipped between the continental United States, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United States. This applies to live or dead specimens, including hybrids and parts, except by permit for certain purposes or by Federal agencies solely for their use. Interstate shipment between the 49 Continental states is allowed under federal law, but state laws may apply. The interim and final rules will be effective on January 25, 2025.
