[KOvet]

Where is a good place in southern CA to go herping for banded geckos? Is it legal?

[Lunar Gecko]

F&G will ticket you in a heartbeat! Last I heard they are listed as threatened in CA and so each animal has like a $200+ fine.

[KOvet]

even if i have a fishing license? can i use that?

[Lunar Gecko]

Yeah they are listed as endangered in CA. Fishing license only works in CA if the animal is not listed as 'threatened'. The if the Sp. is listed the Sp. must be specifically listed on the license and a quantity count max. They don't do that much.

[Coleonyx]

You can collect or own a total of two Coleonyx variegatus in California, and you would legally need a fishing license if you're over the age of 16. They're pretty easy to find in any suitable habitat in S. California, but don't collect in state or national parks.

Coleonyx switaki is listed as threatened at the state level, and cannot be collected without the proper permits (basically scientific research only).

Cheers

[Lunar Gecko]

HAHA I was not even thinking of Coleonyx variegatus for some reason. Also I was told that Coleonyx switaki was moving up the list this year. Has that not happened?

[KOvet]

I don't think it's moving up..
Coleonyx switaki (Barefoot Banded Gecko, Barefoot Gecko, Switak's Banded Gecko)

California Endangered Species Act- Threatened

[Lunar Gecko]

ahh but this is CA we are talking about not normal redlists. Logic does not always fit into the equation.