Posted by:
Eby
at Sun Apr 15 12:20:12 2007 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Eby ]
I'm adding one more bullet (just in case all the others missed).
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HB 2414 would make it nearly impossible for TPWD to ever gather any meaningful data about the distribution and population densities of native reptiles and amphibians:
Some in TPWD have claimed that this bill would protect sensitive populations of some reptiles and amphibians. However, they admit that do not have ANY data to support this claim. In fact TPWD has NEVER taken the time or effort to conduct any significant studies of the ranges or populations of our native reptiles and amphibians. Much of this disregard ties back to a long standing grudge that some in TPWD hold against reptile and amphibian enthusiasts. Many in TPWD (and the general public) just don’t understand why any normal person would pursue a hobby involving reptiles and amphibians. As a result, they have formed many inaccurate assumptions about our behavior and ethics. Most reptile and amphibian enthusiasts would welcome a constructive dialogue with TPWD. If TPWD would take the time and effort to re-establish their creditability in our eyes, many of us would gladly provide them with decades worth of collection statistics and field observations. Furthermore, many of us would proudly volunteer our efforts to TPWD to assist them in collecting future data. I can assure you, our concern for the protection of native reptiles and amphibians is deeply rooted and sincere. However, if this bill passes, many reptile and amphibian enthusiasts will blame TPWD for restricting our ability to protect and preserve our native reptiles and amphibians by studying them and establishing genetically diverse captive breeding programs for the protections of wild animals. If that were to occur, very few reptile and amphibian enthusiasts would be willing to assist TPWD in any manner.
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One more bullet - Eby, Sun Apr 15 12:20:12 2007