Amphibians: 210400; Salamanders: 210403

Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act. Notice of intent to amend Schedule II of the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations.

Amendments to the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (WAPTR), under the authority of subsection 21(1) of the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA), in order to restrict the importation of salamanders into Canada.

Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) is a disease-causing fungus that has been devastating native salamander populations in Europe. It is believed to have originated in East Asia and to have been introduced into Europe through the international pet trade. If the fungus were to reach Canada, it is likely that the impacts on native salamander species would also be severe. As a result of the proposed regulatory amendment, which would come into force 12 May 2018, the importation into Canada of all species of the taxonomic order Caudata, whether living or dead, and including their eggs, sperm, tissue culture or embryos, or any part or derivative of the species, would be prohibited unless authorized by a permit issued by the Minister of the Environment.