Obama Secretary Displays Appalling Lack of Leadership; Gives Awards for Scientifically Circumspect Agency Report

In an apparent effort to avert attention from his Department’s dismal public image and failure to bring change, Secretary of the Interior’s Ken Salazar has just given the US Geological Survey (USGS) and their collaborators an award for the work done regarding constrictor snakes. The Giant Constrictor Risk Assessment Partnership, comprised of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), the National Park Service (NPS), and USGS, was given the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) highest award presented by the Secretary – The Partners in Conservation Award.

IMPORTANT SURVEY ON ATTITUDES TOWARD THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Your help is needed! The Loma Linda University Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Studies is conducting a groundbreaking survey on attitudes toward the environment and conservation, particularly of those who love plants and animals. The results from this study, to be published in a professional journal, will contribute to our understanding of the role of plants and animals in society. Participants are urgently needed to complete the survey, which should take about 5-10 minutes of your time. Continue reading on Animal Ownership Survey/ Loma Linda University

Georgetown Economic Services (GES) has been hired by USARK to do the first comprehensive economic assessment ever done on the Herp Industry. This is very important because to date the economic data that has been portrayed by US Fish & Wildlife Service and Animal Rights advocates have been fundamentally flawed and a gross underestimate. This is a chance to “Set The Record Straight”. It will continue to be a vital tool in establishing the Herp Industry as a real and independent industry with real power as an economic engine. The trade in high quality reptiles must be demonstrated to be the valuable piece of the American economy that it is. Please participate by reading the letter from GES below, fill out the survey/s and forward to anyone else who might be able to contribute. Thank you!

A newly released Python Cold Weather Study, Can invasive Burmese pythons inhabit temperate regions of the southeastern United States?, Dorcas et al. 2010, now brings a total of four independent sources (three studies and one anecdotal report) reinforcing that pythons cannot endure temperatures normal to the temperate southern third of the United States. The question posed in the title of this latest Study can now be conclusively answered…“NO.” Continue reading on NEW Study Confirms Flaws in the Government’s Climate Match

US Fish & Wildlife Service Rule Change

USFWS concluded the 2nd Public Comment period regarding the proposed Rule Change to add 9 constricting snakes to the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act (including Boa constrictor). If enacted it would create a new class of felon in the US. Never before has the Service contemplated listing animals so widely held by the American public in 49 states. As many as a million American citizens could be subject to felony prosecution for transporting one of the 9 constrictors across state lines. The case made by the service to list the animals has failed to meet the requirements for listing under federal regulations. The authors have so completely misrepresented the climate data that the Constrictor report is based on as to imply ineptitude or deception. Continue reading on Politics & Legislation