"ngapls"All native desert reptile species are protected federally. You killed a Desert Iguana which is definitely a protected species. Good Job Dude. Putting up a warning does not cut it. Remove the video, you broke the law.
Your claim that "all native desert reptile species are protected federally" is unfounded and simply not true. I was unable to find any evidence to support your claim. If you can provide evidence to support this, please do so.
Secondly, the
Desert Iguana Dipsosaurus dorsalis is neither a protected species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act nor is it classified as a “
No Open Season” species under the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Furthermore, the Desert Iguana is currently classified as “Least Concern” or LC under the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Unlike some states, Arizona does not classify protected species as being either threatened or endangered. Instead, those species that the
Arizona Game and Fish Commission have determined to be in need of protection are simply classified as having
No Open Season by an
Arizona Game and Fish Commission administrative order.
Arizona currently classifies 8 amphibians, 8 snakes, 2 lizards, and 2 turtles as having
No Open Season. In addition, 4 taxa including 2 amphibians, 1 snake, and 1 turtle are classified as being endangered or threatened and are provided additional protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) (1973).
Arizona Game and Fish Commission regulations prohibit the taking of any species classified as having No Open Season without the issuance of a scientific collecting permit issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.
Amphibian and reptile species that are not classified as having No Open Season and that are not classified as either Threatened or Endangered by the ESA may be taken (or killed) subject to Arizona Game and Fish Commission regulations. The only lizard species native to Arizona that are either protected under Federal (U.S. Endangered Species Act) or State (
Arizona Game and Fish Commission) regulations are as follows:
Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Phrynosoma mcallii - Classified as a "No Open Season" species by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission
Gila Monster Heloderma suspectum - Classified as an Endangered Species under ESA and "No Open Season" species by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission
Here's a tip: The next time you accuse someone as violating a law, be sure to have your facts in order.