I have a Google alert set up for 'spotted turtles' and found this article saying they are being considered for the Endangered Species List.
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/n...6-30-2015.html
Though I am happy that wild spotted populations will get more protection I am concerned about what this could mean for me as a keeper of spotted turtles. If they are put on the Endangered Species List will current spotted turtle keepers be required to give up their animals or will they be grandfathered in (and if so how does one become officially grandfathered in)? I acquired both my spotties from captive sources, but I have no 100% definitive way of proving that. Is there any way to get a license that allows you to keep species on the Endangered Species List?
Of course I know that there is no guarantee that spotties will end up on the ESA, but the possibility makes me wonder what would happen.
PS I meant to ask this question on
www.turtleforum.com, but the website has been down for me on and off for the last week or so. Anyone know what's up with that?