Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi I don't post here but have a question someone may answer. I would like to know if the Mexican Hognose is concidered a seperate species from the Westerns. I live in Illinois and would like to work with them(Mexicans) but Western Hognose are protected. The Illinois DNR list the Mexicans as a sub species so a permit is required to keep them. I have the permit but have not purchased any Mexican Hognose yet. If any scientific papers showing they are a seperate species are out please let me know. The people I've talked with at the IL DNR are very informant and have answered most of my question but this one. Thanks.
Bill

Hey Bill,

As far as paperwork on the seperation of the two goes not real sure. I also live in illinois as well and have kept westerns for over 10 years. If you can't get the paperwork you need why don't you apply for a permit? I recently had mine ammended to include possession and captive propagation. This allows me to sell the offspring as long as I provide names of those sold to. All the really need is a bill of sale showing the animals were bought out of state. Joe Kath at The IDNR has been great with issuing my permits. Anywho just a thought. Hope you can find what you are looking for. I am glad that others out there are working with the IDNR and not just obtainig animals. The process of getting permits is quick and painless and gives some legitimacy to our hobby. Anywho just a thought. Hope you can find what you are looking for.

Scott

Thanks Scott, I have the permit and have talked with Scott Ballard several times and he said basicly the same that you want a paper trail showing legal purchases. Most breeders that I've talk with don't have a problem giving you what you need as far as paper work. My permit only allows 2 species to be kept. Right now that's fine but I do want to breed them so I'll also have to have mine(permit) ammended. I will be looking for specific local on the Mexicans and will be getting a pair in spring. Thanks again for the info and I'll check out how to get my permit ammended.
Bill

http://www.cnah.org/pdf_files/76.pdf