New Reforms to Mexican Wildlife Law Prohibit the Introduction of Exotic Animals to Wildlife Conservation and Management Units (UMAS)

On April 6, 2010, new reforms to the Mexican Wildlife Law (Ley General de Vida Silvestre) were published in the Official Journal of the Federation which prohibit the introduction of any non-native exotic animals or game to Wildlife Conservation and Management Units or UMAS. Such reforms also prohibit the importation into Mexico of exotic wildlife that may threaten the biodiversity, economy or public health of the country. Such reforms apply to wildlife species that are not native to the particular place where an UMA is located. As such, non-native exotic game will not be permitted to be released or introduced to such particular UMA as per new articles 27Bis and 27Bis 1 of the Wildlife Law. Prior to the new reforms, the Wildlife Law was silent regarding the prohibition or allowance of exotic wildlife in particular UMAS. As a result of the new reforms, it is important for those who own ranch property in Mexico with an UMA permit to comply with the requirement of handling only native wildlife, and to remove any exotic wildlife currently at such property to avoid penalties or sanctions by the Mexican environmental authorities, or the potential revocation of the corresponding UMA permit.