**Injurious Wildlife Species; Review of Information
Concerning Constrictor Snakes From *Python*, *Boa*, and *Eunectes*
genera**

50 CFR Part 16

\[FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015; 94410-1342-0000-N3\] RIN 1018-AV68

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of inquiry.

\[Federal Register: January 31, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 21)\]

\[Proposed Rules\]               

\[Page 5784-5785\]

**[Submitted by:]{.underline}**

B. W. Smith

Southern Reptile Education

12910 Hwy 92

Suite 100-160

Woodstock, GA 30188

**[Contents:]{.underline}**

I - Responses to questions 1 -- 10 as requested by U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service

II - Narrative

**[Attachments:]{.underline}**

Appendix A -- Genus *Boa*, *Python*, and *Eunectes* 30 day sample market
analysis

Appendix B - Genus *Boa* 30 day sample market analysis

Appendix C - Genus *Python* 30 day sample market analysis

Appendix D - Genus *Eunectes* 30 day sample market analysis

Appendix E -- Species *Python regius* 30 day sample market analysis

Appendix F - Genus *Python* (excluding *P regius*) 30 day sample market
analysis

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**I *- Responses to questions 1 -- 10 as requested by U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service***

**[(1) What regulations does your State have pertaining to the use,
transport, or production of *Python, Boa* and *Eunectes*
genera?]{.underline}**

There are currently no regulations specific to the genera *Boa, Python*,
or *Eunectes* in the state of Georgia.

**[(2) How many species in the *Python, Boa* and *Eunectes* genera are
currently in production for wholesale or retail sale, and in how many
and which States?]{.underline}**

**Genus *Boa***: One (1) Species, Ten (10) Subspecies.

[Species]{.underline}

-   Boa Constrictor (*Boa constrictor)*.

[Subspecies]{.underline}

-   *Boa constrictor amarali* (Stull 1932),

-   *Boa constrictor constrictor* (Linnaeus 1758),

-   *Boa constrictor imperator* (Daudin 1803),

-   *Boa constrictor longicauda* (Price & Russo 1991),

-   *Boa constrictor mexicana* (Jan 1863),

-   *Boa constrictor nebulosa* (Lazell 1964),

-   *Boa constrictor occidentalis* (Philippi 1873),

-   *Boa constrictor orophias* (Linnaeus 1758),

-   *Boa constrictor ortonii* (Cope 1877),

-   *Boa constrictor sabogae* (Barbour 1906).

The Boa Constrictor (*Boa constrictor*) is one of the most popular
captive species of snake in the United States due to its moderate size
and often calm disposition with most subspecies represented in private
collections within the United States. It is impossible to accurately
assesss the number of specimens of the genus *Boa* produced annually.
However, the sample market analysis (Appendix B) provides a snapshot of
the Boa market. According to this analysis, there were 1,623 individual
specimens of this genus available in the 30 day period. It is important
to note that the period sampled is considered "off season" as it
predates the birthing season.

**Genus *Python***: Ten (10) Species Five (5) Subspecies

[Species]{.underline}

-   [*Python
    anchietae*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Python&species=anchietae)
    (Bocage 1887)

-   [*Python
    breitensteini*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Python&species=breitensteini)
    (Steindachner 1881)

-   [*Python
    brongersmai*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Python&species=brongersmai)
    (Stull 1938)

-   [*Python
    curtus*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Python&species=curtus)
    (Schlegel 1872)

-   [*Python
    molurus*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Python&species=molurus)
    (Linnaeus 1758)

-   [*Python
    natalensis*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Python&species=natalensis)
    (Smith 1840)

-   [*Python
    regius*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Python&species=regius)
    (Shaw 1802)

-   [*Python
    reticulatus*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Python&species=reticulatus)
    (Schneider 1801)

-   [*Python
    sebae*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Python&species=sebae)
    (Gmelin 1789)

-   [*Python
    timoriensis*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Python&species=timoriensis)
    (Peters 1876)

[Subspecies]{.underline}

-   Python molurus molurus (Linnaeus 1758)

-   Python molurus bivittatus (Kuhl 1820)

-   Python reticulatus reticulatus (Schneider, 1801)

-   Python reticulatus saputrai (Auliya et al. 2002)

-   Python reticulates jampeanus (Auliya et al. 2002)

The genus *Python* is comprises a significant percentage of the reptile
industry. The Ball Python (*Python regius*) is particularly popular due
its small size and docile disposition. Burmese Pythons (*Python molurus
bivittatus*) are also heavily represented within the industry. Despite
its large adult size, the Burmese Python remains popular due to its
often docile nature. The Reticulated Python (*Python reticulates*) has a
smaller presence but remains popular. The Blood Pythons (*Python
brongersmai* and *Python curtus*) has established its position in the
pet trade primarily due to its relatively short length, impressive
girth, and often beautiful coloration. The remainder of the species in
the genus *Python* are represented to different extents within the
industry. It is impossible to accurately assess the number of specimens
of the genus *Python* produced annually. However, the sample market
analysis (Appendix B) provides a snapshot of the Python market.
According to this analysis, there were 2,029 individual specimens of
this genus available in the 30 day period. It is important to note that
the period sampled is considered "off season" as it predates the
birthing season. Further analysis shows that 77% of the available
specimens are from the single species of Python regius (Ball Python).

**Genus *Eunectes***: Four (4) Species, Zero (0) Subspecies

[Species]{.underline}

-   [*Eunectes
    beniensis*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Eunectes&species=beniensis)
    (Dirksen 2002)

-   [*Eunectes
    deschauenseei*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Eunectes&species=deschauenseei)
    (Dunn & Conant 1936)

-   [*Eunectes
    murinus*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Eunectes&species=murinus)
    (Linnaeus 1758)

-   [*Eunectes
    notaeus*](http://www.tigr.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Eunectes&species=notaeus)
    (Cope 1862)

[Subspecies]{.underline}

-   none

While both the Green Anaconda (*Eunectes murinus*) and the Yellow
Anaconda (*Eunectes notaeus*) are represented in the reptile trade, they
constitute a comparatively small share. It is impossible to accurately
assess the number of specimens of the genus *Eunectes* produced
annually. However, the sample market analysis (Appendix D) provides a
snapshot of the *Eunectes* market. According to this analysis, there
were 50 individual specimens of this genus available in the 30 day
period. It is important to note that the period sampled is considered
"off season" as it predates the birthing season. This equates to
Eunectes occupying a market share of only 1.4% of the genera in
question.

**[(3) How many businesses sell *Python, Boa* or *Eunectes*
species?]{.underline}**

There is no reliable census of this data. However, if we take one
element at a time, we can begin to see the large picture. According to
the AT&T Yellow Pages, there are 23,343 businesses that categorize
themselves as "Pet Stores" in the United States. For the sake of this
paper, conservatively, we can estimate that at least 15% sell reptiles.
Given the popularity of Boa Constrictors (*Boa constrictor*) and Ball
Pythons (*Python regius*), they are generally available in all pet shops
that sell reptiles. This equates to just over 3,500 businesses who sell
animals from the genera *Python*, *Boa* or *Eunectes*. It is difficult
to estimate the number of individuals and small businesses selling the
genera in question. However, by taking the market sample referenced,
there are 205 dealers represented in that particular 30 day period. It
is important to recognize that the period sampled is considered "off
season" in that many female specimens are gravid (pregnant) and have not
given birth yet. This sampling does not account for the large majority
of private sales.

**[(4) How many businesses breed *Python, Boa* or *Eunectes*
species?]{.underline}**

This statistic is virtually impossible to establish because of the
variety of entities and individuals that breed these species. It ranges
from the private breeders with relatively small collections to large
scale breeding facilities and countless small businesses and pet shops
in between.

**[(5) What are the annual sales for *Python, Boa* or *Eunectes*
species?]{.underline}**

Again, this is a very difficult number to establish as there is no
specific tax designation, national registry or association associated
with the captive reproduction of reptiles. However, if we take the
market sampling referenced earlier we can get an idea of the commerce
involved in the sale of these species. The available animals for this 30
day period totals a market value of \$2,414,775. This equates to roughly
\$2,173,298 per year taking into account a 10% rate reposting the same
animals multiple months. Conservatively, it can be estimated that 50% of
these animals will be sold. This gives an annual total of \$13,039,788
for this one classified ad site. This site represents only one venue for
the sale of these species to the general public. Conservatively, one
could estimate that the total sales nationwide are at least 5 times that
of this one site. This gives an estimated total of \$65,198,942 in
annual sales.

**[(6) Please provide the number of *Python, Boa* or *Eunectes* species,
if any, permitted within each State.]{.underline}**

All species are permitted within Georgia.

**[(7) What would it cost to eradicate *Python, Boa* or *Eunectes*
individuals or populations, or similar species, if found?]{.underline}**

This question is moot for the majority of the United States. Throughout
most of the United States, the species are unlikely to survive winter
low temperatures. Georgia shares its southern border with Florida. Since
Florida is the source of this review, it seems pertinent to address the
climatic differences, even in bordering states, which negate the
presumptions of these genera surviving in other regions of the United
States. One of the areas of Georgia that would most closely resemble the
habitat of the Everglades would be the Okefenokee area. One town both on
the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp (Steven C. Foster National Forest) and
on the border of Florida is Fargo, GA. The average winter low in Fargo,
GA is 38°F. Conversely, the average winter low in the Everglades is
56°F. This is a significant difference, particularly for tropical
species such as the genera in question. Burmese Pythons (*Python molurus
bivittatus*), in particular, are exceptionally susceptible to
respiratory infections due to low temperatures even in short increments
of time. Should individuals be found, the cost to eradicate is
negligible and inconsequential. According to a predominant herpetologist
with Georgia Department of Natural Resources (name available upon
request), there has never been a recorded population of any species of
*Python*, *Boa* or *Eunectes* within the state of Georgia. There is no
evidence to support that a population could survive in Georgia despite
its close proximity to Florida.

**[(8) What are the costs of implementing propagation, recovery, and
restoration programs for native species that are affected by *Python,
Boa* or *Eunectes* species, or similar snake species?]{.underline}**

The cost would be minimal if the private sector were utilized. Private
keepers are often willing to contribute to such programs such as our
breeding agreement with the State of Georgia for the Eastern Indigo
Snake (*Drymarchon couperi*).

**[(9) What State-listed species would be impacted by the introduction
of *Python, Boa* or *Eunectes* species?]{.underline}**

None. The impact would be minimal. It would make more sense to not ban
the species, so that keepers will capture any rogue specimens. If they
are banned, officers must do this.

**[(10) What species have been impacted, and how, by *Python, Boa* or
*Eunectes* species?]{.underline}**

Minimal impact in Georgia. Wild specimens are few and far between.

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**II - *Narrative***

It is often necessary for local, state, and federal governments to
institute regulations in order to preserve our natural resources.
However, such restrictions and jurisdictions must be logical and
justified. This is not the case in the matter of "Injurious Wildlife
Species; Review of Information Concerning Constrictor Snakes From
*Python*, *Boa*, and *Eunectes* genera". In this instance, the problem
is isolated to the state of Florida. There is no evidence to support
involvement or regulations on a federal level.

The trade in reptiles and amphibians in United States is a large and
prevalent industry. As demonstrated in the previous text and the
attached Appendixes, the total annual sales of the genera in question is
estimated conservatively at over \$65,000,000. This staggering number is
only one small part of the industry. It does not take into account other
boids or colubrids. It also does not take into account the husbandry
items and food items required for the life of the animal. By using only
the production numbers provided in the Appendixes, 40,000 individual
specimens are annually available. Conservatively, one can estimate that
the cost of the enclosure and other husbandry items is \$250 per animal.
This equates to \$10,000,000 annually. Conservatively one can estimate
that the cost feeding each specimen is \$2 per week. This estimate takes
into account wholesale and bulk sales of prey items at lower costs and
the high prices of prey items purchased from Pet Shops to get an
approximate average. By using this number, it equates to \$4,160,000 in
annual sales. This gives a very conservative total market estimate of
\$79,160,000 annually for the genera *Boa, Python* and *Eunectes*.

The action proposed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would effectively
be a ban on these genera. This is not only an unwarranted and factually
unsupported action, but it would also be a major blow financially to
thousands of individuals and businesses in the multiple industries
dependant on the sale of these genera.