Immediate Temporary Moratorium Recommended on Importation of Firebelly and Paddletail Newts

PIJAC Canada supports PIJAC USA’s recommendation for an immediate temporary moratorium on the importation of Firebelly and Paddletail newts 

 Cynops orientalis (Firebelly) and Pachytriton labiatus (Paddletail) 

In late November PIJAC (USA) released a statement recommending a temporary halt on the importation of Firebell and Paddletail newts, effective immediately. The reason for the moratorium stems from concerns over the Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, or Bsal, fungus.  This fungus, which is native to Asia, has impacted fire salamander populations in Belgium and the Netherlands.   

In an proactive effort to protect native Canadian newt populations, PIJAC Canada’s Board of Directors is supporting PIJAC USA’s recommendation. This decision is directly in line with the criteria found in PIJAC Canada's Exotic Animal Policy.

Even if harvested sustainably in the counties of origin, the risk is too high to our native species and potentially endangers contamination of existing, thriving captive amphibian communities.  Should such a pathogen be introduced to Canada, we fear that it could result in a ban, meaning the end of responsible ownership of these animals entirely. We ask you to remind your customers that pets should never be released into the wild.  

Visit our Habittattitude.ca website for information on invasive species in Canada

and conserving our natural aquatic environments.

For additional details, you can access the PIJAC (USA) press release below or email Louis McCann at executiveoffice@pijaccanada.com

Link: PIJAC (USA) Recommends an Immediate Temporary Moratorium on the Importation of Firebelly and Paddletail Newts

Visit PIJAC Canada's habitattitude.ca website