FWP Commission Is Seeking Comment On Classification Of Exotic Species

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The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on the proposed classification of some exotic wildlife species for personal possession and on the permitting process to obtain these species.

"The FWP Commission has tentatively approved the classification of 13 individual exotic species and 2 exotic wildlife families for public comment," said Eileen Ryce, FWP’s aquatic nuisance species coordinator.

Montana law regulating the import, possession and sale of exotic species requires that the species be classified as controlled, non-controlled or prohibited in order to minimize potential health and safety risks to humans, wildlife, livestock and agriculture.

"Exotic species not yet classified can not be imported into Montana. The Classification Review Committee must first determine how that species should be classified and what permitting requirements, if any, must be met," Ryce said. "The FWP Commission then rules on the recommendations."

A public meeting to discuss the newly proposed classifications is scheduled August 16 at 7 p.m. in the FWP headquarters building in Helena at 1420 East Sixth Ave.

A list of the proposed non-controlled, controlled and prohibited exotic species is available on the FWP Internet under Public Notices, or can be obtained by calling 406-444-2449.  

Some of tentative classifications of exotic species that the public may comment on include:

*      Tentatively prohibited: Cebidae (new world monkeys), Southern Flying Squirrels, and Mute Swans,

*      Controlled: Exotic Waterfowl (controlled), Koi and Goldfish (controlled in outdoor ponds), and

*      Non-controlled: Degus and Jungle Cats.  

A full list of exotic species already classified is available at FWP’s Exotic Species web page.

Public comments may be made until Aug. 24 by email to fwpexotics@mt.gov , or mailed to: Exotic Wildlife Classification Comments, Fisheries Division, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, P. O. Box 200701, 1420 East Sixth Ave, Helena, MT 59620-0701.

All animals imported into the state also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from an accredited veterinarian and an import permit from the Montana Department of Livestock. For a form to officially petition for classification of an exotic species, call 406-444-2449.

A final decision on the classification of this list of exotic species will be made at the Oct. 19 FWP Commission meeting in Miles City.

For additional information, visit FWP’s Exotic Species web page.  

EDITORS NOTE:

Below is a full list of the tentatively classified exotic species.

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission have tentatively added the following species to the current lists of non-controlled, controlled, and prohibited exotic wildlife species:

Non-controlled : The following exotic wildlife may be possessed, sold, purchased, exchanged, or transported within the state without a permit.   All animals being imported into the state require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from a veterinarian and an importation permit from the Montana Department of Livestock:

Serval Cat ( Leptailurus serval )

Degu, Brush Tailed Rat ( Octodon degus )

Two-Toed Sloth ( Choloepus didoctylus )

Jungle Cat ( Felis chaus )

Controlled:

Koi ( Cyprinus carpio ) for use in outdoor ponds

Goldfish ( Carrassius auratus ) for use in outdoor ponds

Exotic Waterfowl (family Anayidae)

Prohibited : The importation, possession or sale as pets of the following species of live wildlife or hybrids thereof, including viable embryos or gametes, is prohibited:

Zander ( Sander lucioperca)

Walking Catfish ( Clarias batachus )

Short Tailed Opossum ( Monodelphis domestica )

Virginia Opossum or North American Opossum ( Didelphis virginiana )

Brush Tailed Possum ( Trichosurus vulpecula )

Southern Flying Squirrel ( Glaucomys volans )

Primates (family Cebidae)

Mute Swan ( Cygnus olor )