The California Fish and Game Commission ruled Wednesday that the amphibian deserves protection as a threatened species.
The 3-2 vote came over the objections of the California Farm Bureau Federation. Spokeswoman Noelle Cremers says the designation means hardships for ranchers and farmers who’ve been abiding by federal protections.
“Farmers already had restrictions under the federal listing so now if they need a permit they have to both to the (federal) Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Fish and Game. So it just adds an additional layer of regulation.”
State Fish and Game commissioners made the decision after finding that the amphibian's habitat is threatened by the expansion of farming and development. The tiger salamander lives in nearly half the state's counties, in a region that stretches from Yolo County to Santa Barbara County.
The species breeds in seasonal pools and ponds, but spends most of its 10-year life underground.
The 3-2 vote came over the objections of the California Farm Bureau Federation. Spokeswoman Noelle Cremers says the designation means hardships for ranchers and farmers who’ve been abiding by federal protections.
“Farmers already had restrictions under the federal listing so now if they need a permit they have to both to the (federal) Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Fish and Game. So it just adds an additional layer of regulation.”
State Fish and Game commissioners made the decision after finding that the amphibian's habitat is threatened by the expansion of farming and development. The tiger salamander lives in nearly half the state's counties, in a region that stretches from Yolo County to Santa Barbara County.
The species breeds in seasonal pools and ponds, but spends most of its 10-year life underground.