CITES Amphibian Trade Review The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is conducting a review of the global amphibian trade. As part of this effort, CITES and The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have developed a questionnaire to gather information on amphibians, including the following:
- the levels of international trade in amphibians (legal and illegal);
- captive breeding of amphibians;
- threat of diseases to and from amphibians in trade;
- and the national/regional (and/or local) management, enforcement and regulatory priorities of amphibians in international trade.
Read the CITES announcement and take the survey (link on the second page) at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/23-CITES-amphibians.pdf.
Additional information and any inquiries relating to the survey should be submitted by email to the IUCN at Oliver.Tallowin@iucn.org and copy to info@cites.org.
Potential ESA Listings UPDATE 8/17/23: This has been posted in the Federal register at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/17/2023-17726/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-90-day-findings-for-five-species.
Tomorrow (8/17/23) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will post this document in the Federal Register (found on our website at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/23-borneo-earless-ESA.pdf). FWS will be considering these species to be listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA): Bornean earless monitor lizard (Lanthanotus borneensis), blue tree monitor lizard (Varanus macraei), bleached sandhill skipper (Polites sabuleti sinemaculata), and pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus).
When a nonnative species is listed under ESA, even domestically born and bred animals can no longer be sold in interstate commerce by private breeders. This is actually anti-conservation as these animals in the wild face habitat decimation, and poaching for medicinal, food, and other purposes. Rather than allowing the global population of a species to grow to conserve species, ESA listings prevent that from happening in the U.S.
The petition was filed by the Center for Biological Diversity. We will post links and updates at https://usark.org/23esa2/ when available.
You can read more about the problems caused by the ESA listing of nonnative species at https://usark.org/23esa/.
Gary Bagnall resigns as Chairman of the Board Gary Bagnall, the founder and CEO of Zoo Med, has played an integral role in USARK for more than fourteen years and was most recently serving as USARK’s Chairman of the Board. After so much time and attention devoted to ensuring USARK could succeed, Gary has decided to resign from the Board and focus his energy on other projects. One of these projects includes his non-profit Museum of Aquarium and Pet History (www.moaph.org). Gary and Zoo Med will still fully support USARK going forward, including pro bono services and maintaining their status as our largest and most consistent donor.
Gary wants herpetoculturists to know: “I am incredibly grateful to the current Board members for their dedication and Phil Goss for handling the heavy lifting and day-to-day work of USARK to ensure not-so-well-meaning bureaucrats and animal rights groups do not shut down the industry and hobby that we all love and work in. Zoo Med will still support USARK to the tune of $10,000 per month. Plus, we will continue our other services to USARK and the community.”
“It is a fact that USARK never could have flourished and prevented so much bad legislation without Gary’s support. USARK never would have gotten off the ground without him. Gary and Zoo Med allowed USARK to become the voice of responsible herpetoculture,” states USARK President Phil Goss, who fully realizes just how much the herpetocultural community owes Gary.
Jeff Ronne, owner of The Boaphile and Boaphile Plastics, celebrated Gary’s impact by saying, “Thank you for saving my livelihood. I truly believe they would have ended us if you had not stepped in when you did. Thank you for your tireless efforts and commitment of your assets and business to help in every way possible. I and my family thank you personally.”
Todd Goodman, owner of Timberline Live Pet Foods, has been chosen by the Board to replace Gary as Chairman. Todd had this to say: “My description of your time with USARK is one where I say USARK would never have continued to be around or effective had it not been for you. Thank you for your vision and efforts, your continued support, and your trust. Big shoes are hard to fill, so I think it best we set yours aside for bronzing. I am committed to USARK so whatever capacity this Board thinks is appropriate; I am willing to continue to help. President Emeritus, I/we are truly thankful for you.”
The USARK Board thanks Gary for his perseverance and guidance. The Reptile Nation would have crumbled without him and our entire industry is indebted to his generosity. Thank you, Gary.
Other Board members had these sentiments:
“Thank you for your lifelong dedication to the industry and building this lifeline for us.” – James Badman, Phoenix Reptile Expo and Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group
“Gary, thank you so much for what you have done for this industry and especially these fourteen years with USARK. I am forever grateful for everything you have done, contributed, and helped to save this amazing industry we all work in. Take care, and much success with your nonprofit pet museum.” – Loren Leigh, LLL Reptile
“Thank you for everything you’ve done over the years! You are a pillar to the reptile community. We will miss you and hope to see you soon.” – Ramy Guirguis, Reptile Super Show
“Thank you for all that you have done for USARK.” – Warren Booth, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Virginia Tech
“Gary was more than a tremendous asset to USARK and reptile keepers. He has been our bedrock.” – Ralph Davis, Ralph Davis Reptiles
Vanessa Costanzo, USARK Administrative Director, added: “Thank you, Gary, for everything you have done for USARK and the industry. You are an inspiration!”
National Reptile Breeders' Expo (AKA Daytona) The granddaddy of two-day reptile expos is back and this time it is the biggest NRBE ever! There will be over 700 tables for your perusal. Head to Daytona and see why! From the Friday Night Turtle Talks to two full days of reptile show to Daytona shenanigans, this show is always a must. There are loads of reasons why it has been happening for 34 years.
AUCTION UPDATE: The USARK FL / USARK auction will be back in the big room where we held auctions years ago! This will create a better atmosphere and experience for auction attendees. It is still located at the top of the escalator in the Hilton North Tower lobby but now in the Coquina Ballroom. There will be HUNDREDS of donations. You never want to miss this auction!
Auction Preview: WOW! This is one of the best items ever to be donated and you can only get it if you are the high bidder at the Daytona National Reptile Breeders Expo auction on August 19! This is a combined effort with a custom knife from Terry Vandeventer, an American Bladesmith Society Master Smith (less than 100 in the world) and professional herpetologist, and Craig Trumbower, an author, herper, and craftsman. Vandeventer's knives regularly sell for over $4,000 and Trumbower's boxes have also brought thousands of dollars. You may read bios on both men at https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/posts/pfbid02XC4NtAizCAPXh8qTMtJL3fJWYyXHgEJfsyXKX45cg5VMXZoBKb9WRdcfJDDhjwi4l. Photos are at the bottom of this newsletter. Thank you, Terry and Craig!
USARK and USARK FL will both be there to answer any questions and inform you about what is happening. Both groups look forward to seeing you there to help keep our battles possible.
Volunteers needed: We need volunteers! You can register at https://www.usarkfl.net/event-5383717 or send an email to media@usarkfl.net if you want to help. More details at https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=641577608118358&set=a.525880473021406. Thank you!
All show details can be found atwww.reptilebreedersexpo.com and www.facebook.com/NationalReptileBreedersExpo.
Show Schedule:
Saturday 10:00 - 5:00 - NRBE Reptile Show
Saturday night 8:00 PM USARK Florida/USARK Benefit Auction (Hilton hotel/North Tower lobby up escalator)
Sunday 10:00 - 5:00 - NRBE Reptile Show
ALERT: Lacey Act Amendments UPDATE: We have updated our alert with links to contact all sponsors and co-sponsors of the two Lacey Act amendment bills now in Congress. Please check if you are a constituent of any of the listed legislators and then take action if you are. Thank you! Check out our latest video about this on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmtZM7u2Vvk&t=28s.
Find more details and a comprehensive FAQ at https://usark.org/23lacey/. We will be updating this alert.
USARK Shirts and Hats are Available Online Our shop is open at https://usark.org/shop/(or just click the "Shop" link in the menu on our website). We currently have two shirts and three hats available for sale.
Find A Vet Need a good herp veterinarian? The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) can help. ARAV provides a free Find-A-Vet service at http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661.
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