Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am being told by the USFWS that shipping Cyclura Lewisi Hybrid Iguanas across State lines requires a Federal Permit. I was under the impression that you did not need a Permit. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Where can I find the law in writting, etc...

Manny

Hey Manny,

Both C. nubila lewisi (Endangered) and C. nubila caymanensis (Threatened) are listed on the USFWS Endangered and Threatened wildlife list. Thus a permit is required to transport them across state lines. Most of the lewisi hybrids are caymanensis x lewisi. So they are both listed and a permit is required.

This is what it says:

Title 50, Part 17, Subpart B - Lists, 17.11 Endangered and threatened wildlife, Subsection (g): The listing of a particular taxon includes all lower taxonomic units. For example, the genus Hylobates (gibbons) is listed as Endangered throughout its entire range (China, India, and SE Asia); consquently, all species, subspecies and populations of that genus are considered listed as Endangered for the purposes of the Act.

Now, it could be argued that because it is a hybrid it is not either subspecies. I don't know for sure but they may hybridize in the wild. You should check with Rick Hudson at Ft. Worth Zoo or David Blair in Escondido, CA if you want to know.

Based on all this, I would think a permit is required. You can also check with well known cyclura breeders.

Welkerii
El Paso, TX