Perhaps you didn't pick up the sarcasm. I in no way endorse any of PETA's ideas or methods.



Also I understand that habitat preservation is without a doubt the most important way to protect our herps. They don't live in Wal-Mart. Have you read Degenerated Science by Dean Ripa on his website www.bushmastersonline.com (I believe it is available for purchase as well. It is full of information about the backwards herp conservation laws and downplays the effect of collectors, which is most likely minimal.



This being said I still believe the effects of collection for the pet trade (and not so much the trade; people just take them and keep them for themselves and this is hard to quantify, I know herpers who keep every snake they find, despite low fecundity, rarity, etc.)should be studied further. I've only collected one snake from the wild ever and will not repeat the act, with a possible exception for a "rescue".



I appreciate the link and insight I will show it to my misinformed "animal-loving" friends.

[ Show Entire Thread ]