Saboteur,

Apologies for misinterpreting the sentiment of your initial message. The trouble that I had with that post was that you ended with an emphasis on illegal trade. I could not help but assume that you were making an inference that the individual that started this thread (or for that matter any person not directly associated with an institution that is keeping Abronia in captivity)is involved with illegal trade, therefore partly responsible for the species' endangerment. This was the way that I read into your post, and my response was based on this assumption. It was not a personal attack on you. I have no desire to see you banned from this forum. I'm glad that you did respond and express your concern for these animals more clearly.

You ask: "...why would be ilegal to collect this or other species, if doesnt represent any significant pressure???"

If my understanding of current Mexican laws regarding the collection of native plants and animals is correct, it is illegal to collect any species, regardless of how rare or common the species is thought to be, without having a scientific-collecting permit.

In response to collection representing significant pressure: there are no published accounts(that I'm aware of)that show that Abronia species are in decline as a direct result of collecting. If you are aware of data in support of this, I would be very interested in seeing it. I'm not suggesting that Abronia be collected en masse for the pet trade. However, if the limited areas where these lizards occur in nature are not protected and continue to be destroyed, what sense is there in protecting them from being collected?
Also, because there is no feasible way for the Mexican governmet to stop the complete destruction of remaining Abronia habitat, officials must make an attempt to show some level of protection over these rare and endangered lizards, so the easiest thing to do is enforce strict regulations on collection. Enforcing regulations over habitat destruction much more complicated and difficult, as it stands in the way of "progress".

Please understand that I feel that Abronia spp. are in need of significant protection within their natural habitat. If Mexican laws say it is illegal to collect, so be it. Ultimately, if the habitat of these lizards is not protected, these laws will have had very little consequence.

I look forward to hearing your views.

Adios,
Roberto

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