(a) The secretary shall conduct investigations on nongame species in order to develop information relating to population, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors and other biological and ecological data to determine conservation measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of such information and determinations, the secretary shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to Kan. Stat. Ann. § 32-963 which contain a list of the nongame species deemed by the secretary to be in need of conservation and shall develop conservation programs pursuant to Kan. Stat. Ann. § 32-962 which are designed to insure the continued ability of such nongame species to perpetuate themselves successfully. The secretary shall conduct ongoing investigations of nongame species.

(b) The secretary shall adopt such rules and regulations pursuant to Kan. Stat. Ann. § 32-963 which establish limitations relating to taking, possessing, transporting, exporting, processing, selling, offering for sale or shipping as are deemed necessary by the secretary to conserve such nongame species.