Even though I still consider bairdi to be a subspecies of the obsoletus complex, as a die-hard board member of the Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research (SWCHR), I officially recognize the split of bairdi from obsoletus, and I write the taxon as Pantherophis bairdi. SWCHR agrees with the split, so even if I do not agree, I feel that it is right to call bairdi a separate species. Much like being a law abiding citizen, I comply with laws, even when / if I do not agree with them...
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-Toby Brock
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research


