I read an article a little while ago in a herp-related news release discussing the importation of reptiles, mainly green iguanas, but touched on the ball python issue over in Ghana/Togo. The article stated that ball pythons populations are booming due to clearing land for farming and overall conservation policy that Ghana was noted for. So yeah, its not hurting ball pythons on a grand scale, but it sucks to be a captive hatched export baby ending up in a 10 gallon tank with a 100w flood bulb overhead, that's for sure.

Randy- I'm not sure a tariff would be the answer to the ball pythons exportation issue. Private breeders would not be able to meet the demand for normal baby ball pythons and people who don't give a rip about morphs aren't going to pay $100 for a baby normal ball python at a show. When you talked about supply/demand economics, you forgot something in your armchair analysis: availability of substitutes. Everyday hobbyists will buy corns, kings, and ratsnakes for $25 each before they buy a baby ball at that price.

In short, I don't particular feel great about exporting any wild animals from their native habitat, but can't complain too much because it is, after all, how the hobby I love so much got started in the first place. Ghana has a good strategy in place to protect existing populations, and with that being my primary grievance with the issue, I don't see it as a "problem" so much as just an "issue."

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