CapeNature is phasing out trade in California kingsnakes [SOUND]

# CapeNature is phasing out trade in California kingsnakes in the Western Cape over a two-year transition period that began on the first of April this year. This is after a risk assessment classified the species as high risk for invasion. CapeNature spokesperson Luke Folb says California kingsnakes have been kept in South Africa’s reptile-keeping community since at least the 1980s and are widely kept by hobbyists. He says they have adopted a phased approach that recognises existing lawful permit holders while addressing the biodiversity risk: