So the next time you see a price list with protected species on it or attend a reptile expo where Baja California and Gulf of California herps are being paraded for sale in hundreds of little plastic boxes, remember that the original populations from which these specimens came were most likely illegally taken (Mellink 1995). Then ask yourself if you want to be a part of, or cater to, that level of our society that abuses wildlife for profit.

Grismer is editorializing big time here (but I suppose he's entitled; it's his book...). Replace "Baja California and Gulf of California herps" with "bearded dragons" and see if anyone agreeing with Grismer will categorically maintain their stance.

I've been told on a trip to Australia, by Australians, that all bearded dragons in the pet trade are descended from stock illegally captured...after all, all wildlife in Oz is technically the Queen's property.

Whatever was done multi-captive-bred-generations ago is water under the bridge. End result: who here hears of anyone buying WC bearded dragons, or going to Australia to collect their own? It's a lot cheaper and easier to buy one for ten bucks, or get one given to you for free.

Incidentally, the same can be said for what was formerly "forbidden fruit" here in the US, like alterna.


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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

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