Reptile & Amphibian Forums

SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)

Location: LEE/1.

I see there is still doubt on the Solomon situation. I had called the U.S. Fish and wildlife Service for confirmation. They said yes indeed a ban is in effect. When I asked them if a shipment of Corucia were to enter the country at the current time, I was told it would be stopped. I was also directed to CITES.org. Under implementation comf. Date 9 Rev. Standing Committee, It is supposedly written that exportation from the SoLomon Islands of the species Corucia Zebrata has ceased. I have not personally gone to this site. I am taking on word from the USFWS representative I spoke to that it is there.

Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC

Below is the link to the original recommendation by the Standing Committee to suspend imports originally made in June 2001 and reissued on April 9, 2002.
I wasn't able to find any more current documents, but I'll keep looking.
Link

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Edward
Carpe diem

SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)

Location: LEE/1.

Edward,

Thanks for being able to post this here. I will be checking with Ron Dupont later. He may have additional information. I was told by a reptile importer in Broward County (Name withheld to adhere to Kingsnake policy) that he got an extra shipment through that wasn't supposed to be originally allowed after the last ban-For what it's worth. I haven't been there either but I am told there is currently activity in the classifieds to the effect that no more Corucia are being allowed in. I am stopping there after this.

Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC

I've been trying to get ahold of the proper officials at USFW myself, and now I see you've done it for me!

I appreciate you guys finding the info.

Brian, did your source at USFW mention what authority put the ban into effect? I'm curious if it was a CITES change or something else.

-Z

SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)

Location: LEE/1.

Z,

The Gentleman with the USFWS (First Name: Charlie) had trouble pulling it up but said it was a CITES change and they were obligated to stop any importation of Corucia at the present time.
I hestitate to mention shops and warehouses by name on the forum due to the rules, but since this is an ongoing issue I will take a chance and mention that Wild Cargo, Underground Reptiles, Ben Seigal Reptiles, and Strictly Reptiles all mentioned the ban and prices to rise as a result.
I have been too busy to research CITES so I will take Edward's word that it has been difficult and /or impossible to find.

I have to say this hasn't been clear cut and I even asked Charlie " If you had a shipment at the checkpoint you'd really have a backed-up line trying to find an answer. "

Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC

CITES.org (last updated Oct. 9, 2003) lists Corucia zebrata in Appendix II.
I've been looking for anything recent about the species but I've been unsuccessful so far.
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Edward
Carpe diem

SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)

Location: LEE/1.

Edward,

Our best bet is to talk directly with someone from CITES. It would stand to reason that even with class II status, a temporary (at least) moratorium would be enacted considering the large # imported in so little a time span as of late.

Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC