Las Vegas Sun

November 30, 2009

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Wildlife board considers tougher rules for catching lizards

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1999 | 9:41 a.m.

One proposal would require collectors to work with wildlife experts to study how many lizards and other reptiles can safely be captured each year.

State wildlife staff is recommending a halt to lizard collecting until studies are completed.

The commission will consider the proposal when it meets Saturday in Las Vegas.

Collectors typically gather the reptiles and sell them to distributors for sale in pet stores. Currently there are no limits on the number of collectors who roam the desert looking for reptiles or the amount of reptiles they are allowed to catch.

Last year, 19 collectors paid a $100 annual fee to gather reptiles.

From 1993 to 1997, the state's commercial collectors caught about 130,000 reptiles, almost all of them lizards. Some people argue the practice could lead to a loss of animals and genetic diversity in some areas of the state.

Collectors argue there are more than enough reptiles to ensure continued health of species.

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