You are correct in your assessment with the exception of the gulf hammocks. They are in fact specific HYBRIDS, Midland ratsnake x eastern. Personally, I still refer to them privately as Elaphe o. ssp. The question that needs to be asked is how do the changes affect YOU? As most state and federal institutions have or will accept burbrink that makes the changes from a strictly herpetocultural stand point "valid". What must appear on the invoice or export manifest is the only concern as far as culture goes. Burbrink is a good thing in the sense that states that protect all native species will have no jurisdiction over the newly named specie,s that as of now no longer occur there. Weather or not you accept these changes personally is well, academic. And will not matter one iota what you think. The classification of reptiles, and all other forms of life on this planet will continue to be debated infinitum. Watch for the changes and try to keep up.

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