Where you say "if Ball pythons were not a source of income for the locals in the countries which allow thier export they would be killed and eaten or thier habitats would be modified to make room for something that does make money. As much as it pains people to admit it often commercialization of a species often ensures thier continued existance." I agree with you completely - but I don't have to like it. And absolutely, government control is an issue that, well, my favorite quote from my professor this year was: "the (any) government is the master of unintended consequences!" Believe me, I am not calling for drastic government measures. I would however like to see consumer choices make the changes I was talking about happen.



Ultimately, yes, I'm admitting it, I said something that I didn't really have anything to back it up with. Dumbass me. I got carried away. Sorry.



My real point (which may have been lost - hence my apology for getting carried away) is that WE should seek to change this by our own behavior. Legislation quickly spirals out of control (and WOULDN'T allow for the exceptions that I think ARE worthwhile) and it is not the response I am 'calling' for. Consumer demand is a LARGE driving factor behind the way markets pan out.



It would be nice to see people organize into a non-profit organization of Ball Python breeders, keepers, and hobbyists, which could spearhead our efforts to keep our hobby legal, and to perhaps look into the kind of stuff we're talking about here. Ya know, like horse or dog breed organizations do.



I hope I made more sense this time. Acceptable?



~Rebecca
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0.1 Dumeril's Boa '04 (Courtney)

1.2 Ball Pythons

[1.0 '05 Orange Hypo (Specter)]

[0.1 '05 Het Orange Hypo (Sylvia)]

[0.1 '03 Normal (Sue)]

0.2 American Pit Bull Terriers (40lb darling lap dogs:Brandy&Mara)

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