2. cb animals teaches about the wild animals, even in failures. if a good record is maintained it can help future efforts by anyone

You are correct in that much has been learned about the biology of reptiles from observations of captives. I am a huge advocate of this through my own published articles and the research journal that we produce (varanidae.org/biawak). I find myself constantly encouraging people to give back and share their experiences.

However, I would not consider this as justification alone to keep and attempt to breed a threatened or endangered species. Most reptile keepers know very little about the natural history of the animals they keep, nor do they care. How many private reptile keepers actually contribute back to the biology of the animals they keep? How many people actually choose to share their observations and experiences with others? Of these, how many do more than share their ramblings on random internet message boards? Of these, how many publish their experiences and data in media that will actually aid in the conservation of the species?

I hope that you are successful in your pursuits and that you choose to publish your observations and experiences so that they can be used to advance understanding of varanid lizard biology. The hobby needs more people of this mentality and approach.

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