What is the federal listing status under the Endangered Species Act for the San Francisco garter snake?
Answer
Federally threatened
The San Francisco garter snake, *Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia*, holds a severe protected status due to significant population decline throughout its historical range. Specifically, it is designated as federally threatened under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. This federal listing is compounded by its classification as endangered by the State of California, creating a dual protection layer that signifies the extreme vulnerability of this reptile population within the United States. This high level of protection mandates strict regulations regarding any activity that might impact the species or its required ecological niche.
Related Questions
What is the federal listing status under the Endangered Species Act for the San Francisco garter snake?What combination of colors defines the unmistakable appearance of *Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia*?Which three California counties contain the remarkably restricted historical and current range of the snake?What aquatic amphibian appears to be the primary food source for the San Francisco garter snake?What key subterranean structural element is required in the terrestrial habitat component for refuge and brumation?What is the recommended minimum safe distance observers must maintain when spotting a federally threatened garter snake?During which seasonal period are San Francisco garter snakes most visible for active basking and hunting?What core issue, combined with habitat loss, drives the endangered classification of this subspecies?What landscape characteristic is cited as a strong indicator of a quality habitat patch requiring a necessary balance?Which area is specifically noted as generally being outside the concentrated search zone for this federally threatened subspecies?