Bill's comments are not entirely correct.
The Manus Island tree snail was the first snail protected by the United
States since June 2, 1970 (35FR8495), and has been protected as an
endangered species since then by the United States government.
 
Alan Gettleman
Merritt Island, FL
 
 
Bill Frank wrote:
>
> The Manus Island Green Tree Snail has been listed as "Endangered" since
> 1975 when CITES came into being (in Appendix II which regulates transport).
> Since Papua New Guinea is a signatory of CITES, I am assuming that
> it was included at that countries request since they are the only country
> where the species is found.
>
> I'm quite sure that non-signatories of the convention have no laws in
> regards to possessing or transporting this species. The species is of course
> not listed as endangered by the United States --- we don't have any -- nor
> do
> any other countries, and therefore it would not be listed as endangered.
> However,
> we are a signatory of the Convention (and considering the Lacey Act), we are
> obliged to enforce the law(s).  Are we to second guess the people who should
> know best as to the snails viability -- the country who possess all of the
> living specimens?  Legally, we don't appear to have that option.
>
> Bill Frank
> 1865 Debutante Dr.
> Jacksonville, FL 32246-8645
> Phone/FAX: (904) 724-5326
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