Transporting Reptiles - Guidellines
Transporting reptiles
a) Care must be taken to avoid exposure of reptiles to extreme temperatures during transport.
b) Reptiles must not be transported unless they have been maintained for a sufficient time prior to departure at a temperature that will ensure complete digestion of any ingested food.
c) Reptiles must not be fed during transport.
d) Reptiles must have access to water prior to transport to prevent dehydration. This may involve placing the reptile(s) in shallow tepid water for 10 to 15 minutes.
e) Transport containers must not be placed in direct sunlight, water or draughts.
f) A person who consigns a live reptile must:
enclose the reptile (except crocodilians) within a strong, dry, durable, porous linen bag which shall, in turn, be enclosed by a sufficiently ventilated, escape-proof, rigid container. Moistened bags may be used for crocodiles and turtles. A cardboard box is not a suitable container, unless it forms part of the outer packaging of a polybox/styrobox and is of a strength to IATA standards. Any empty space should be padded with shredded paper to prevent excessive movement within the container; heat packs, may be required,
attach appropriate labels to the container which clearly identifies the type of reptile being consigned and if the reptile is dangerous or venomous. The container should also be marked ‘fragile’, ‘this way up’, ‘keep in cool place’ (if appropriate);
attach to the outside of the container an envelope containing a consignment note showing the consignor's name and address, the consignee's name and address, the date of dispatch, the number of reptiles dispatched, and the common name and scientific names of the species of reptile;
write the name and address of the consignee and consignor on a label fixed to the container;
not place specimens of different species, or specimens of greatly differing size of the same species within the same bag for transportation;
keep bagged venomous snakes separate from all other transported animals, preferably by solid partitions in the transport containers;
place crocodiles separately in ventilated, strong, rigid boxes for transport; the container should be just large enough to accommodate the animal, while preventing it from being able to turn around, and the inside of the container must be smooth to prevent injury to the animal.
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