try to explain a bit clearer. When you have a totally natural area[rainforest,etc.] you have a great diversity of life but a low population density of any ONE species. When you farm or alter a natural area it benefits some species and eradicates others. You get a low diversity but high populations of certain species. A golf course here is a perfect example. Animals usually have one of two reproductive strategies. They either have few offspring with a high percentage reaching breeding age or they have tons of babies with few surving. Most reptiles and lower vertebrates use the latter strategy. The vast majority of imported Savannahs are juveniles of which most would be eaten in the wild anyway. That is why importation has little or no effect on wild populations.There are more deer here now than before the pilgrims. Why? We killed the predators and altered the land and they benefited. Not so with other species [moutain lions, grizzly bears, etc.]. Many herps benefit from altered areas including Savannah Monitors. When you look at the factors I believe even with big numbers being exported there are more now than ever. Cetainly they are much easier to import and much cheaper than 30 years ago. I hope this explains a little clearer my thoughts. I'm not eloquent enough with words to fully explain plus I'm technologically retarded and type with one finger. As a last thought all Varanids have COMPLEX SOCIAL STRUCTURES and one has to listen to the lizards to be sucessfull....TC

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