Existing law establishes certain provisions governing the management of wildlife in this State by the Board of Wildlife Commissioners and the Department of Wildlife. (Chapter 501 of NRS) This bill expands the wildlife managed by the Board and Department to include designated invertebrates. As a result of the inclusion of designated invertebrates, certain fees and penalties that apply to violations of certain provisions of law relating to wildlife will also apply to designated invertebrates. (See, e.g., NRS 501.385, 502.240, 504.295) Section 2 of this bill defines “designated invertebrate” to mean any nonpest species of invertebrate designated as a species of greatest conservation need in the State Wildlife Action Plan. Section 3 of this bill defines “State Wildlife Action Plan.” Section 5 of this bill revises the definition of “wildlife” to include designated invertebrates. Section 4 of this bill makes a conforming change to indicate the proper placement of sections 2 and 3 in the Nevada Revised Statutes. Existing law requires: (1) wildlife to be classified into certain categories; and (2) the Commission to place each species of wildlife in a classification by regulation. (NRS 501.110) Section 6 of this bill establishes a classification for designated invertebrates. Existing law provides that if the Commission determines that the existence of a species or subspecies of native fish, wildlife and other fauna is endangered and its survival requires assistance, the Commission must place the animal on the list of fully protected species and the animal may not be captured, removed or destroyed except by means of a special permit issued by the Department. (NRS 503.585) Sections 5, 7 and 8 of this bill provide for the placement of designated invertebrates on the list of fully protected species. Existing law requires the Commission to carry out a program for conserving, protecting, restoring and propagating selected species of native fish, wildlife and other vertebrates and their habitats which are threatened with extinction and destruction. (NRS 503.587) Section 9 of this bill requires the Commission to include designated invertebrates in such a program.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 501.001, 501.097, 501.110, 503.584, 503.585, 503.587
Reprint 1: 501.001, 501.097, 501.110, 503.584, 503.585, 503.587
BDR: 501.001, 501.097, 501.110, 503.584, 503.585, 503.587