FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ISSUES RULE: ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS; ENDANGERED SPECIES STATUS FOR KEY RING-NECKED SNAKE AND RIM ROCK CROWNED SNAKE

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a rule called: Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Key Ring-Necked Snake and Rim Rock Crowned Snake.

The rule was published in the Federal Register on July 21 by Brian R. Nesvik, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Summary: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine endangered species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for two Florida species, the Key ring-necked snake ( Diadophis punctatus acricus) and the rim rock crowned snake ( Tantilla oolitica). This rule extends the protections of the Act to these species.

For more information, contact Nikki Colangelo, Classification and Recove...