Federal proposal banning pythons and boas
Panel Discussion
Friday, February 29, at 10 PM Eastern, in the Auditorium
http://chat.pethobbyist.com/login.php?room_id=1001

The news release by the USGS titled "USGS Maps Show Potential Non-Native Python Habitat Along Three U.S. Coasts" (located at http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1875&from=rss_home ) has added fuel to the boa and python debate as well as resulting in a number of alarmist news articles being published in the mainstream press.

Tonight we will be holding a panel chat to discuss the recently released USF&W request for information regarding the possible inclusion of boas and pythons on the injurious wildlife list. An excerpt of the request appears below :

"SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or We), are reviewing available biological and economic information on constrictor snakes in the Python, Boa and Eunectes genera for possible addition to the list of injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. The importation and introduction of constrictor snakes into the natural ecosystems of the United States may pose a threat to the interests of agriculture, horticulture, forestry; to the health and welfare of human beings; and to the welfare and survival of wildlife and wildlife resources in the United States. An injurious wildlife listing would prohibit the importation into, or transportation between, States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United States by any means, without a permit. Permits may be issued for scientific, medical, educational, or zoological purposes. This document seeks comments from the public to aid in determining if a proposed rule
is warranted." - http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/E8-1770.html

Invited Panelists:

Marshall Meyers - PIJAC ~ confirmed
David/Tracy Barker - Vida Preciosa Intl. ~ confirmed
Kevin McCurley - N.E.R.D. ~ confirmed
Jeff Ronne - The Boaphile ~ confirmed
Rich Ihle - Salmonboa.com ~ confirmed
Ralph Davis - Ralph Davis Reptiles ~ confirmed
Trooper Walsh - Zoo Genesis, LLC ~ confirmed
Jeff Barringer - kingsnake.com ~ confirmed
USF&W Service - Erin Williams ~ confirmed
Brian Sharp - Brian Sharp Reptiles ~ confirmed
Bill Brandt - Gourmet Rodent ~ confirmed
Wayne Hill - National Reptile Breeders Expo ~ confirmed
Bob Clark - Bob Clark Reptiles ~ confirmed
Brian Potter - NARBC/Chicago Reptile House ~ confirmed
Donald Schultz - T-Rex Products ~ confirmed

The following invited guests will be unable to attend

Russ Case - Reptiles Magazine
Kamuran Tepedelen - Bushmaster Reptiles
U.S. Geological Survey

The panel chat tonight will be moderated and only the panelists will be allowed to ask questions
though if we have time we may accept some questions from the floor.

All are invited to attend, the chat starts at 10:00pm EST and will be in our chat room located at
http://chat.pethobbyist.com/login.php?room_id=1001