Posted by:
chris_mcmartin
at Mon Feb 23 20:40:31 2004 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by chris_mcmartin ]
While I think the notion that the absence of a feedback loop to what Big Brother describes as a "closed system" is irrelevant (I'll explain why below), I have a proposal to provide that loop, if for no other reason than to try to "think outside the box" and come up with creative solutions that enable the herpetoculture community to work WITH, not in apparent opposition to, folks in the wildlife conservation camp (which, incidentally, does not necessarily mean "hands off wild populations" ).
Wild herp populations are NOT a "closed system." If they were, then we couldn't take any specimens out. That pedantic argument aside, we must realize that for some populations, the limited take of some number of specimens is in fact sustainable no matter how bad we feel about that fact on a personal level.
The unfortunate (on the larger scale) truth is that many predators of some species of herp are nonexistent in some populations anymore, again due to mankind's influence--reduced numbers of "varmints" like raccoons and possums, and even raptors, to name a few. In the absence of these predators, many reptile species will overproduce offspring (i.e. more than the given habitat can sustain), under the assumption that they evolved to counter the presence of those now-extirpated predators. The limited take of specimens in those cases can therefore be sustained--simply put, the top predator is now man rather than a redtail hawk. Notice I'm qualifying my comments with "limited" take--I am against the unfettered collection of as many snakes as can be grabbed by as many people possible.
But I digress. The provision of a "feedback loop" whose absence has been earlier lamented is a simple one: introduce a "cooperative breeder" permit for native species. Think rosy boas are on the decline? (not necessarily) Commercially breed them: give back 10% of the offspring to the state natural resources department, who will then administer their reintroduction into areas under hunting pressure.
What about introduction of parasites into wild populations?
It is in a commercial breeder's best interest to ensure his or her breeding stock is in top condition. I submit that someone who is in it for profit will in most cases have a higher hygienic standard than a hobbyist herp keeper. Of course, since the commercial breeder will have registered with the state (to obtain the permit in the first place), the information would be on-hand to visit the premises for periodic inspections to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines. Impact on existing populations: low to none.
What about disrupting the local gene pool?
Commercial breeders are increasingly focused on "locale specific" herps (example: alterna), and as such keep meticulous records pertaining to such information. Bloodlines are kept as pure as possible for these animals. Therefore, locale-specific animals could be reintroduced to their, uh, specific locale. Impact on existing populations: low to none.
Who's gonna pay for it?
This could be a little more complicated. I propose offering the commercial breeder cooperative breeding permit at significantly reduced cost (compared to the hundreds of dollars some states charge). Again, the point of the program is to make it more lucrative (for those driven by the bottom line) to sell captive-bred than wild-caught. The sheer number of herpetoculturists willing to participate in the program will more than make up for revenue lost in reducing permit fees. Also, the 10% returned specimens to the guvmint would not necessarily all have to be "repatriated;" the excess could be sold to provide an additional revenue stream for this program and/or other herp conservation efforts.
As always, I solicit constructive feedback (i.e. "I don't think it will work because..." or "good idea, but it needs _____ to make it work" to stimulate further discussion). I'm trying to be a glass-is-half-full kinda guy rather than just turning down any unorthodox idea because I don't think it'll work. I'd much rather see herpetoculturists work WITH the "other guys" and reduce the "dark side of the hobby"--can you imagine the positive benefit the press alone could provide? Let alone the numbers of successful reintroductions of herps possible.
I am also a cynic, though, and I realize that there is money and power to be had in keeping herpetoculturists and entities such as law enforcement in adversarial positions--money and power on BOTH sides. So yes, someone is going to lose out if this proposal were to move forward, but I don't think it's going to be the herps! 
Chris
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet
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 Closing Big Brother's "Feedback Loop" (Proposal)>>> - chris_mcmartin, Mon Feb 23 20:40:31 2004
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