The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has finalized rules regarding salamanders to protect U.S. ecosystems from the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). These rules affirm the 2016 interim rule that listed 20 genera of salamanders as injurious and add 16 more genera to the list. The regulation prohibits the import and transport of these genera among certain U.S. jurisdictions, with exceptions for purposes like scientific research. This action aims to prevent the introduction and spread of Bsal, which can have devastating effects on native salamander populations.
Simple Explanation
The U.S. is making a rule to keep certain types of salamanders from coming to the country because they can carry a bad fungus that makes local salamanders sick. This rule helps make sure our salamanders stay healthy, and scientists can still study them with a special permission.