Western Cape phases out California kingsnake trade

California kingsnake owners in the Western Cape face tighter trading rules under a CapeNature phase-out, but lawfully held animals may remain in captivity for their natural lives.

CapeNature’s 29 October statement says the two-year transition began on 1 April 2026 after an assessment identified a high invasion risk.

During the transition, provincial trade is limited to existing valid permit holders. No new captivity, import or transport permits will be issued to people without a valid permit for the species. Trade includes sales, purchases, donations and other ownership transfers.

Export permits may be considered during the transition with the receiving province’s import permit and notification of its conservation authority.

CapeNature says all trade will cease after the transition, with exports allowed only under regulated conditions consistent with conservation objectives.

The authority warns that escaped or released snakes could establish in the wild and compete with indigenous species. Owners should keep animals securely and never release them.

Permit holders should contact [email protected] before uncertain trade, transport or disposal. Snakes found outside captivity should also be reported. This explains a provincial transition already under way, not a newly announced national ban.