>>How do I prove a negative?



What negative? The claim was that these snakes would be dead in most parts of the country. That's a POSITIVE claim.



> And I'd argue the fact that they've been imported substantially for DECADES without establishing themselves is evidence leaning against a ban.



It seems more like proof that it has taken decades for the captive population to reach a "critical mass" that encourages releases and the creation of feral populations.



> If they were that hardy, they'd be established in south Texas, California and Lousiana as well as Florida, as those states have all had a strong importer presence for years.



Not necessarily. Large snakes are not the most "r" selected of species (basically meaning quickly reproducing). Their population sizes are likely to build slowly. Our captive populations have been swelling throughout the decades of importation....it may just be that we are now reaching critical mass for the establishment of feral populations.



>What I want is *proof* that these species actually do constitute an environmental threat--and that proof is lacking.



Valid point. So challenge them based on insufficient evidence, not based on hysterical hand-waving.



> That USGS study sucked--it didn't account for seasonal lows, just averages, and it didn't account for suitable habitats, both which are pretty damn important.



Right. It did not consider enough variables.



> There's lots of circumstantial evidence against them being a threat, and 0 evidence that they are a threat.



There's good evidence that they ARE a threat -- in the limited area they are now populating.



>They're not talking about banning imports--if that was it, I wouldn't be overjoyed but I wouldn't mind it. They're talking about putting them on the lacy act as an injurious species, thus banning commerce and possibly ownership period.



Interstate transport, not ownership.



> and bans the interstate commerce in several more species, notably big cats.



And yet, there are big cats in captivity all over the country. Gee, what a concept....
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0.1 Peruvian rainbow boa (Amaru)

0.3 Honduran milksnakes (Chicchan, Chanir, Hari)

2.6 corns (Cetto, Tolosa, TBA)

1,000,000.1,000,000 other critters

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