Reptile collecting impact to be studied

Monday, Nov. 8, 1999 | 11:01 a.m.

The Division of Wildlife staff has suggested phasing out the commercial collection of reptiles in Nevada, but wildlife commissioners meeting in Las Vegas on Friday decided to allow the practice to continue while the impact on the reptile population is studied.

Wildlife spokesman Jeff Snyder said there are only about 20 licensed collectors in the state, but they gather a good number of the snakes and lizards that are sold commercially worldwide.

About 90 percent of the reptiles are taken by about a half-dozen collectors, officials said.

Since collection information comes from licensed collectors, the Division of Wildlife staff wasn't sure of its accuracy.

Commissioners on Saturday said scientists and the public will be used to study the impact of commercial reptile gathering, which has been legal in Nevada since 1986. Snyder did not say how the study would be conducted.

Collectors are required to renew their licenses annually. Most collecting takes place in the northern part of the state, Snyder said.

Officials say 36 species of snakes and lizards are allowed to be captured for commercial use. The most sought after are chuckwallas, desert horned lizards, desert iguanas, gopher snakes, sidewinders and long-nosed snakes.

Gila monsters are among the reptiles that can't be collected.

As an example of the value of the reptiles, chuckwallas reportedly are worth $40 in the United States and $504 in Europe. Collared lizards are worth about $15 in this country and $168 in Europe.