A non-native Argentine black-and-white tegu, one of the species added to the list of species prohibited in Alabama. Photo Credit: Dustin Smith
Feral Swine
MONTGOMERY-With over 650 species of native wildlife, Alabama is one of the most ecologically diverse states in the United States. Management for those 650 species includes many different aspects such as habitat management and population monitoring. Another large part of managing for our native species, is management of non-native invasive species. Non-native wildlife can be accidentally introduced, or even intentionally, but either way the outcome can wreak havoc on our native ecosystems. Non-native wildlife can cause problems for our native wildlife by creating increased competition for food resources, destroying native habitats, introducing new diseases and parasites into a population, and increasing predation risks for our vulnerable species.
In an effort to be more proactive about the potential ecological, economic, and human health and safety concerns related to the potential impacts from non-native animals, the ADCNR regulation regarding prohibited species in Alabama has been amended to prohibit any person, firm, association, or corporation from possessing, selling, offering for sale, importing, bringing, releasing, or causing to be brought or imported additional non-native animals into the state of Alabama. More information regarding the amended regulation can be found on Outdoor Alabama’s website.
Media Release/Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
