Exotic pet laws in New Mexico

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director.

The ackie monitor is not on the list. Only five monitors are, the Indian, yellow, desert, Komodo and green tree, and the first four are Group IV outright. Everything else in Varanidae falls to the default clause and is designated group IV. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Alligator | Alligatoridae | Alligator mississippiensis | American Alligator | IV | Federally Threatened

Named outright in Group IV. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Mammal | Bear | Ursidae | Ursus americanus | Bear, Black | IV

Named in Group IV, and the list also carries every bear of any species in Group IV as a state protected species. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Mammal | Dog, wild | Canidae | Vulpes (sp. variety) | Fox (any type) | IV | State Protected Species

The arctic fox is Vulpes lagopus on current taxonomy, inside the Vulpes "any type" row in Group IV; on its old genus, Alopex, it is unlisted and the default clause sends it to Group IV anyway. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director.

The only otter on the list is the North American river otter, Group IV as a state protected species. The Asian small-clawed otter has no row, so the default clause designates it Group IV. CITES Appendix I since 2019 governs international trade separately. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director.

Fifteen Ambystoma appear on the list and the axolotl is not among them, so the default clause designates it group IV. That is a harsh result for a laboratory animal that has effectively no wild population, and it sits oddly beside the tiger salamander two rows away at group II. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Kangaroo | Macropodidae all species | Kangaroos, wallabies | IV

Every macropod is in Group IV. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director.

The only bobcat named is the Mexican subspecies, Lynx rufus escuinapae, in Group IV as federally endangered. The bobcat as a species has no row, so the default clause designates it Group IV as well. It is also a New Mexico furbearer, protected by the Game and Fish rules. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Rep/Amph | Snake | Pythonidae | Python molurus bivitatis | Burmese Python | IV

Named outright in Group IV, under the older taxonomy that treated the Burmese as a subspecies of Python molurus, with the species epithet misspelled bivitatis. The federal Lacey Act injurious listing bars importing one into the United States and shipping one to Hawaii or a territory, not moving one between continental states (USARK v. Zinke, D.C. Cir. 2017). Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Mammal | Cat, wild | Felidae | Lynx canadensis | Lynx, Canada | IV | Federally Threatened

Named outright in Group IV. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Primate (non-human) | Cebidae all species | Monkeys | IV | Federally Endangered

The Director's list puts the whole family Cebidae in Group IV, which takes in both capuchin genera, and a separate row puts all non-human primates there too. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director.

The capybara appears nowhere on the Director's list, and New Mexico's default clause is the operative rule: an unlisted live non-domesticated animal is designated group IV until the director decides otherwise. Resolved from a previous unclear entry now that the list is in hand. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Snake | Elapidae | all venomous species | Snakes, Venomous | IV

Every venomous elapid is in Group IV, the king cobra included. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here. The king cobra and the Asian Naja species are on CITES Appendix II, which governs import and export, not keeping.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Primate (non-human) | Callitrichidae all species | Marmoset | IV | Federally Endangered

The Director's list names the marmoset family in Group IV, and a separate row puts all non-human primates there too. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Cat, wild | Felidae | Puma concolor (all subsp) | Mountain Lion, Puma | IV | Federally Threatened

Named for every subspecies in Group IV. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here. Federally, the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 (16 U.S.C. § 3372(e)) bars any person outside a licensed exhibitor, sanctuary or state institution from breeding or possessing a cougar unless the animal was born before December 20, 2022, and registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, so no new pet is lawful anywhere in the country whatever the state rule says. The Florida panther subspecies is also endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director.

The degu appears nowhere on the Director's list, and New Mexico's default clause is the operative rule: an unlisted live non-domesticated animal is designated group IV until the director decides otherwise. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Squirrel | Sciuridae | Sciurus spp | Squirrels | IV | State Protected Species

Every Sciurus squirrel is in Group IV and flagged as a state protected species. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director.

The fennec fox appears nowhere on the Director's list, and New Mexico's default clause is the operative rule: an unlisted live non-domesticated animal is designated group IV until the director decides otherwise. Resolved from a previous unclear entry now that the list is in hand. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Mammal | Squirrel | Sciuridae | Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus | Squirrel, Carolina northern flying | IV | Federally Endangered

The only flying squirrel named is the Carolina northern, in Group IV as federally endangered. The southern flying squirrel kept as a pet is not on the list, so the default clause designates it Group IV too. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Snake | Boidae | Eunectes ssp | Anacondas | IV

Every anaconda is in Group IV. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here. Federally, the green anaconda has been injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act since 2015 (50 CFR 16.15(a)), which bars importing one into the country or shipping one to Hawaii or a territory; USARK v. Zinke (D.C. Cir. 2017) held it does not bar shipment between the continental states.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Mammal | Furbear, small | Procyonidae | Potos | Kinkajou | IV

Named outright in Group IV. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023; 19.35.7 NMAC

Cat, wild | Felidae | Panthera leo persica | Lion, Asiatic | IV | Federally Endangered

The list names only the Asiatic lion. The African lion is not on it, so it falls to Group IV by default. The Director's list is not exhaustive, and 19.35.7 NMAC says "Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director." Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here. Federally, the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 (16 U.S.C. § 3372(e)) bars any person outside a licensed exhibitor, sanctuary or state institution from breeding or possessing a lion unless the animal was born before December 20, 2022, and registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, so no new pet is lawful anywhere in the country whatever the state rule says.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director.

The Nile monitor is not on the list. Only five monitors are, the Indian, yellow, desert, Komodo and green tree, and the first four are Group IV outright. Everything else in Varanidae falls to the default clause and is designated group IV. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Mammal | Squirrel | Sciuridae | Cynomys mexicanus | Prairie dog, Mexican | IV | Federally Endangered

Resolved from unclear. Two prairie dogs are named, the Mexican and the Utah, both Group IV as federally listed animals. The black-tailed prairie dog of the pet trade appears nowhere on the list, and the default clause puts an unlisted animal in Group IV as well, so every route lands in the same place. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Mammal | Furbear, small | Procyonidae | Procyon | Raccoon (any type) | IV | State Protected Species

Named in Group IV, any type, and flagged as a state protected species, so the native animal is covered as well as an imported one. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Snake | Viperidae | any venomous species | IV

Every venomous viper is in Group IV, and two rattlesnakes are named on their own rows. New Mexico's own rattlesnakes are a separate question: the importation rule does not reach an animal already in the state, and the native reptile rules were not read here. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Mammal | Dog, wild | Canidae | Vulpes (sp. variety) | Fox (any type) | IV | State Protected Species

The whole genus Vulpes, "any type", is Group IV, so the red fox is barred with the fennec fox. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Snake | Pythonidae | Python reticulatus | Reticulated Python | IV

Named outright in Group IV, with the Burmese and African rock pythons; the ball python is Group I and most carpet and blood pythons Group II. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here. Federally, the reticulated python has been injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act since 2015 (50 CFR 16.15(a)), which bars importing one into the country or shipping one to Hawaii or a territory; USARK v. Zinke (D.C. Cir. 2017) held it does not bar shipment between the continental states.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Primate (non-human) | Lemuridae all species | Lemur | IV | Federally Endangered

The Director's list names the lemur family in Group IV. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here. Lemur catta is on CITES Appendix I, which bars commercial international trade, so a pet lemur here can only come from captive breeding inside the country, and the whole family Lemuridae is listed endangered under the Endangered Species Act (50 CFR 17.11).

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director.

The savannah monitor is not on the list. Only five monitors are, the Indian, yellow, desert, Komodo and green tree, and the first four are Group IV outright. Everything else in Varanidae falls to the default clause and is designated group IV. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Mammal | Cat, wild | Felidae | Leptailurus serval | Serval | IV

Resolved from unclear, and now confirmed rather than assumed. Named outright in Group IV. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Alligator | Alligatoridae | Caiman crocodilus crocodilus | Common Caiman | IV | Federally Threatened

The spectacled or common caiman is named in Group IV, with every other caiman on the list. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Primate (non-human) | Cebidae all species | Monkeys | IV | Federally Endangered

The Director's list puts the whole family Cebidae in Group IV, which takes in the squirrel monkeys, and a separate row puts all non-human primates there too. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Mammal | Skunk | Mephitidae all species | Skunk (any type) | IV

The list takes the whole skunk family under its current name, so there is no taxonomy question. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Cat, wild | Felidae | Panthera tigris | Tiger | IV | Federally Endangered

Named outright in Group IV. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here. Federally, the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 (16 U.S.C. § 3372(e)) bars any person outside a licensed exhibitor, sanctuary or state institution from breeding or possessing a tiger unless the animal was born before December 20, 2022, and registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, so no new pet is lawful anywhere in the country whatever the state rule says.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023; 19.35.7 NMAC

Sloth | Bradypodidae | Bradypus torquatus | Sloth, Brazilian three-toed | IV | Federally Endangered

The list names one sloth, the maned three-toed sloth, in Group IV. The two-toed sloths are not on it, so they fall to Group IV by default. The Director's list is not exhaustive, and 19.35.7 NMAC says "Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director." Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023; 19.35.7 NMAC

Marsupial | Didelphidae | Monodelphis domestica | Shorttail Oppossum | II | Captive Bred

The only opossum on the list is the short-tailed opossum, Group II. The Virginia opossum is not on it, so it falls to Group IV by default. The Director's list is not exhaustive, and 19.35.7 NMAC says "Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director." Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Mammal | Furbear, small | Procyonidae | Nasua | Coatimundi | IV | State Protected Species

The genus Nasua is Group IV and a state protected species; the white-nosed coati is a New Mexico native at the edge of its range. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Ungulates | Cervidae all species | Deer (any type) | IV | State Protected Species

Every deer is in Group IV and flagged as a state protected species. New Mexico's captive cervid and disease rules were not read here. Group IV importation is prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific study, department approved restoration, zoological display, temporary events, use as a service animal, or by a qualified expert. 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, so it governs bringing the animal into New Mexico rather than keeping one already here.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Rep/Amph | Lizard | Teiidae | Tupinambis sp. | Black, Red and Gold Tegu | II

Group II on the Director's list: not known to be invasive or dangerous, but an importation permit is still required before the animal may be brought into New Mexico. Listed at genus level under the older name Tupinambis; the Argentine black and white tegu is now Salvator merianae. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Rep/Amph | Snake | Boidae | Boa constrictor imperator | Boa, Columbian Red Tail | III

The Columbian red-tail is the boa that dominates the pet trade and it sits in Group III, needing an importation permit with specific provisions attached. The Peruvian and Argentine red-tails are Group III too. Two rows go the other way: Boa constrictor ssp, except as restricted in another group, covers the Central American and Hog Isle boas at Group I. So the answer turns on which boa, and the common one needs the permit. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Rep/Amph | Snake | Colubridae | Heterodon nasicus nasicus | Western Hognose Snake | III

Group III, which is a permit with strings: the list defines the group as animals presenting minimal or manageable concerns that require specific provisions to be met before an importation permit issues. All three Heterodon on the list sit here, the western, eastern and Mexican hognose alike, so unlike most states the answer does not turn on which hognose you have. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Rep/Amph | Turtle | Emydidae | Trachemys scripta elegans | Red-eared Slider | II

Group II on the Director's list: not known to be invasive or dangerous, but an importation permit is still required before the animal may be brought into New Mexico. Named to the subspecies, alongside the yellow-bellied and Cumberland sliders. The South American red-lined slider is the outlier at Group IV. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Rep/Amph | Turtle | Testudinidae | Geochelone carbonaria | Tortoise, Red-foot | II

Group II on the Director's list: not known to be invasive or dangerous, but an importation permit is still required before the animal may be brought into New Mexico. Listed under the older genus Geochelone, now Chelonoidis. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Rep/Amph | Turtle | Testudinidae | Testudo horsfieldii | Russian tortoise | II

Group II on the Director's list: not known to be invasive or dangerous, but an importation permit is still required before the animal may be brought into New Mexico. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Rep/Amph | Turtle | Chelydridae | Chelydra serpentina serpentina | Eastern Snapping Turtle | II

Group II on the Director's list: not known to be invasive or dangerous, but an importation permit is still required before the animal may be brought into New Mexico. Both the eastern and Florida snapping turtles are Group II. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Mammal | Marsupial | Petauridae | Petaurus breviceps | Sugar Glider | II

Group II on the Director's list: not known to be invasive or dangerous, but an importation permit is still required before the animal may be brought into New Mexico. Resolved from unclear. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Rep/Amph | Turtle | Testudinidae | Geochelone sulcata | Tortoise, Sulcata | II

Group II on the Director's list: not known to be invasive or dangerous, but an importation permit is still required before the animal may be brought into New Mexico. Listed under the older genus Geochelone, now Centrochelys, which is the same naming drift that leaves the sulcata unresolvable in Hawaii. New Mexico's list is old enough to still carry it. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Rep/Amph | Salamander | Ambystomatidae | Ambystoma tigrinum | Eastern Tiger Salamander | II

Group II on the Director's list: not known to be invasive or dangerous, but an importation permit is still required before the animal may be brought into New Mexico. The barred tiger salamander that fills the pet trade is listed separately at Group II as well, so both answers land in the same place. The Sonora and California tiger salamanders are Group IV as federally listed animals. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Rep/Amph | Turtle | Emydidae | Terrapene ornata ssp | Ornate Box Turtle | II

The condition is which box turtle. The ornate box turtle, which is the one native to New Mexico, and the three-toed box turtle are both Group II and need an importation permit. The eastern box turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina, appears nowhere on the list, and an unlisted animal defaults to Group IV, which is closed to the general public. The aquatic box turtle is Group IV outright as a federally endangered species. One caveat on all of this: 19.35.7 NMAC is an importation rule, its stated scope being persons who desire to bring wildlife species into New Mexico, so it governs getting the animal here rather than keeping one already in the state.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023, and 19.35.7 NMAC

Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director.

The emperor scorpion is not on the Director's list, and neither is any other terrestrial invertebrate: the roughly 1,300 rows are mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Read literally the default clause would designate it group IV and bar it, since it is a live non-domesticated animal. Read in context that looks wrong, because the rule is titled importation of live non-domesticated animals, birds and fish, its scope speaks of wildlife species, and its machinery is veterinary inspection certificates and disease testing built for vertebrates. The regulation never uses the word invertebrate. Recorded unclear rather than banned, because the definition arguably reaches the animal and plainly was not written with it in mind.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023, and 19.35.7 NMAC

Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director.

The giant African millipede is not on the Director's list, and neither is any other terrestrial invertebrate: the roughly 1,300 rows are mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Read literally the default clause would designate it group IV and bar it, since it is a live non-domesticated animal. Read in context that looks wrong, because the rule is titled importation of live non-domesticated animals, birds and fish, its scope speaks of wildlife species, and its machinery is veterinary inspection certificates and disease testing built for vertebrates. The regulation never uses the word invertebrate. Recorded unclear rather than banned, because the definition arguably reaches the animal and plainly was not written with it in mind.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023, and 19.35.7 NMAC

Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director.

The Madagascar hissing cockroach is not on the Director's list, and neither is any other terrestrial invertebrate: the roughly 1,300 rows are mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Read literally the default clause would designate it group IV and bar it, since it is a live non-domesticated animal. Read in context that looks wrong, because the rule is titled importation of live non-domesticated animals, birds and fish, its scope speaks of wildlife species, and its machinery is veterinary inspection certificates and disease testing built for vertebrates. The regulation never uses the word invertebrate. Recorded unclear rather than banned, because the definition arguably reaches the animal and plainly was not written with it in mind.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023, and 19.35.7 NMAC

Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated group IV until such time as another determination is made by the director.

A tarantula is not on the Director's list, and neither is any other terrestrial invertebrate: the roughly 1,300 rows are mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Read literally the default clause would designate it group IV and bar it, since it is a live non-domesticated animal. Read in context that looks wrong, because the rule is titled importation of live non-domesticated animals, birds and fish, its scope speaks of wildlife species, and its machinery is veterinary inspection certificates and disease testing built for vertebrates. The regulation never uses the word invertebrate. Recorded unclear rather than banned, because the definition arguably reaches the animal and plainly was not written with it in mind.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Director's Species Importation List, 2023

Mammal | Dog | Canidae | Canis familiaris | Dog, Common & Hybrids | I | all species except as restricted in another group

The dog row puts hybrids in Group I, which needs no importation permit, but qualifies it "except as restricted in another group", and the gray wolf is Group IV. The wolf row does not say it includes hybrids, as the wild turkey rows do in terms, so it is unclear whether the exception sends a wolfdog to Group IV or leaves it a Group I dog. The cat row carries no such exception, which is why the Savannah cat is clear here and the wolfdog is not. 19.35.7 NMAC governs importation, not keeping an animal already in New Mexico.

How this rule works: The roughly 1,300 row table that 19.35.7 NMAC points at. Every row gives a family, a scientific name, a common name and a roman numeral group. Group I is semi-domesticated and needs no importation permit. Group II is not known to be invasive or dangerous and needs a permit. Group III presents minimal or manageable concerns and needs a permit with specific provisions attached. Group IV is prohibited to the general public.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.