Press Release
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Finding on Status of Broad-snouted Caiman
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today announced a 12-month finding on a petition and a proposed rule to reclassify the broad-snouted caiman population in Argentina from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This will also constitute a five-year review for the species.
The Service proposes to establish the Argentina population of the broad-snouted caiman as a distinct population segment (DPS) of this species. Intense management of the species in Argentina has brought the Argentina DPS to the point where a change in status is appropriate.
The Service also proposes the Argentina population of broad-snouted caiman be included in the special rule for trade in crocodilian species. Inclusion in this special rule would allow trade in broad-snouted caiman parts and products originating from Argentina only.
On November 5, 2007, the Service received a petition from the Government of Argentina to reclassify the broad-snouted caiman in Argentina from endangered to threatened. This species has been listed under the ESA as endangered throughout its range since June 14, 1976. The primary factor leading to the listing of the broad-snouted caiman species under the ESA was overutilization for the skin trade. In its analysis, the Service found fewer threats to the species in the wild in Argentina; however, the Service finds the DPS is still threatened by the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range. The downlisting
The Service proposes to establish the Argentina population of the broad-snouted caiman as a distinct population segment (DPS) of this species. Intense management of the species in Argentina has brought the Argentina DPS to the point where a change in status is appropriate.
The Service also proposes the Argentina population of broad-snouted caiman be included in the special rule for trade in crocodilian species. Inclusion in this special rule would allow trade in broad-snouted caiman parts and products originating from Argentina only.
On November 5, 2007, the Service received a petition from the Government of Argentina to reclassify the broad-snouted caiman in Argentina from endangered to threatened. This species has been listed under the ESA as endangered throughout its range since June 14, 1976. The primary factor leading to the listing of the broad-snouted caiman species under the ESA was overutilization for the skin trade. In its analysis, the Service found fewer threats to the species in the wild in Argentina; however, the Service finds the DPS is still threatened by the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range. The downlisting
