🐍Proposed Regulation for Southern Hognose Snake Listing
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Southern Hognose Snake
Summary
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), a small, fossorial snake species from the coastal plains and sandhills across the southeastern United States, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the southern hognose snake. After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, we find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the southern hognose snake as a threatened species with protective regulations under section 4(d) of the Act ("4(d) rule"). If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species. We find that designating critical habitat for this species is prudent but not determinable at this time.
Agencies
- Interior Department
- Fish and Wildlife Service
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The proposed rule to list the southern hognose snake as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act has direct business implications due to potential regulatory requirements affecting businesses involved in land development, habitat management, and recreational services that may disrupt the snake's habitat. Compliance with new protective regulations could lead to increased operational costs and necessitate habitat conservation plans.