That was definetly a subject that was overlooked or not fully examined. You are ENTIRELY right, if a new generation of human beings doesn't develop an awareness and appreciation for their native fauna, and in fact for fauna all over the U.S.A., then who will battle the developers that want to cover these areas over with condos and stripmalls. You made a great point is what I am trying to say. Personally, I do presentations to classrooms, from K-12th for free all year long, with not only reptiles, but birds of prey, fish, sharks(That one is interesting!) and mammals and of course I always include both Drymarchon and Pituophis in my presentations. I explain ot the children that these snakes(Couperi, L.A.Pines) are rare and may not be around in the wild when they grow up if they themselves dont actively lobby or speak out for it. Much of it may be lost, but they develop an respect and reverence for these snakes, and in MANY cases, ESPECIALLY when I am dealing with children from third world countries, who have been taught that snakes are the epitomy of evil....many of them become the first person in their family for three generations back to actually NOT be scared of snakes. And even LIKE them.



So, in closing, I beleive that education of children is VITALLY important to the survival of these snakes in the future, in addition to the steps that Dean is metioning. Call it a three pronged attack. I sure hope that it works, it would be a shame and travesty to lose not only the Drymarchon in the U.S., but all the OTHER native wildlife that shares their range.





Thanks,



Fred Albury

[ Show Entire Thread ]