FWS Lists Egyptian Tortoise as Threatened

The Fish and Wildlife Service is issuing a final rule listing the Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni; syn. Testudo werneri), a terrestrial tortoise from Libya, Egypt and Israel, as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The listing includes a 4(d) rule for this species that prohibits importation and exportation without a permit. New import and export restrictions set by the agency’s final rule take effect May 1.