>>Many predators of reptiles have FLOURISHED because of people.



True. Others have not. My examples weren't the best. Feral cats are near the top of the list!



>>As for disease transmission to native populations, one isn't just worried about parasites. What about viruses? Mycoplasma?



Sure, those too.



New viruses are turning up in North American box turtle populations.



Attributable to release of captives, or naturally occurring and just being discovered?



>>How do you classify a "professional" breeder?



Someone who sells captive-bred herps for money.



A breeder can also be a wholesaler/importer, and not all of those facilities are careful in quarantine and isolation.



Then they couldn't participate--that's why the inspection would be a part of the process.



>>All of what you recommended would be extremely expensive.



Perhaps.



>>I think the ony way you would sell something like this to wildlife authorities is if you made it profitable for them. Show them how they can make the money from permits.



I disagree (LOTS of govt programs are notorious for operating at a loss), but did provide for that through both the collection of permit fees (I had even considering making the permits free as an enticement for breeder participation), and through possible sale of excess individuals (reptiles, not government workers!).



How is the release of California condors profitable for wildlife authorities, other than in intangible ways, like good PR?



>>Still, I wouldn't mind LIMITED collection of wild reptiles,



Neither do I.



I think only breeders - those with long-standing experienc with reptiles or a specific species that are interested in expanding the understanding of a species and/or producing captive generations - should be buying wild-caught reptiles.



I go one step further and say NOBODY should buy wild-caught (native animals). However, feel free to travel to their home range, pay the license fee, and collect your own possession limit.
-----
Chris McMartin

www.mcmartinville.com

I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

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