Restricted Nonnative Wildlife

Many non-native/exotic species make their way to South Carolina each year through various means. In most cases, non-native species compete with our native wildlife for resources and in some cases, outcompete and replace them on the landscape. Due to the detrimental impacts that non-native/exotic species can have on our native species, SCDNR recently passed legislation that:

1. Prohibits the release of wildlife that is not native to South Carolina
2. Allows SCDNR to promulgate regulations to prohibit or restrict certain species of non-native wildlife in SC that:
   • have the potential to become established in SC in sufficient numbers to become a nuisance
   • pose a demonstrable deleterious and widespread threat to wildlife, agriculture or human health and safety.

Specific language can be found in the Code of Laws, Title 50, Chapter 15.

Restricted Nonnative Wildlife and the associated Listing Date are listed below:

Black and White Tegu

(Salvator merianae) and, as used in this regulation, their hybrids (listing date: May 28, 2021)

Full language can be found in the Rules and Regulations, Article 5, Chapter 123.152