I think that is what we all struggle with. With so little data available as to where most of our available drys are coming from, or, originated from, we are most likely developing a declining gene pool; its almost inevitable no matter what we do. But, I just try to make sure that siblings from the same parents are not bred back to each other directly which is why I will only sell unrelated pairs (or as unrelated as I possibly know). It sure would be nice to have an approved captive breeding program that brings together a sense of cooperativeness between state agencies, recognized zoos/museums/nature centers and private individuals...probably dreaming but it is this kind of collaboration that is going to be necessary for the long term success of this species.

>>Now you know I have tons of respect for both of you guys so you know this isn't intended as a slam. I just have something to point out. Perhaps I am entirely off too, so I'm ready to hear critical points on what I say.
>>
>>If you two cooperate and sell all your animals as "unrelated" pairs from two separate clutches, aren't you actually increasing the likelyhood that the next generation of erebennus will be inbred?
>>
>>
>>If the majority of people getting pairs of erebennus are getting them from You guys, all the snakes from the next generation will have the same 4 grandparents. The effect of mixing your entire clutches would dilute for one generation, but concentrate it for the next.
>>
>>I'm not saying you shouldn't cooperate "some". I'm trying to point out that selling some sibling pairs or lone animals also increases the chance that your snakes grandchildren will be bred to snakes with grandparents that aren't those same 4. Does this make sense?
>>
>>I suppose I'm exposing my somewhat fatalistic viewpoint on our attempts at avoiding inbreeding. With so few individual animals breeding, we're gonna have trouble even when we try not to.
>>
>>Doug T
>>
>>
>>
>>>>Congrats...looks like I will have about the same amount.
>>>>
>>>>We should talk, about getting people unrelated pairs, (one from you and one from me) instead of a pair from either of us.
>>>>
>>>>What's say we compare notes as to sex ratio and work out a plan after the hatch...hell, they should be hatching within days of each other. This could work out very well.
>>>>
>>>>Dean
>>Link
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

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