The exotic pet trade,really just like any other trade,is a business venture..operating for a profit.

Very few importers/exporters care about the animals in question considering the way the creatures are handled and the conditions they are sold under.It has been becoming a practice in deception since making the money surpasses any other ideal and/or ethic.



Here in Florida we are seeing a increase in nile monitor populations..all across the state.Not a native species by any means..with time it will pose a threat as serious as the melaleuca tree..destroying natural Florida habitats and endangering both the flora and fauna of Florida.



Where did these nile monitors come from? People who were attracted to the notion of a "vibrant-looking small lizard" in the beginning.Did anyone tell these pet owners that they will lose their pretty yellow markings as they mature and that these lizards can get quite big?They are also quite aggressive and can deliver a very painful bite once they have reached adult size.This spells disaster for birds and their eggs,native snakes and animals of Florida.



Dissemination of correct and updated information is vital to anyone considering buying an exotic animal as a pet.They are not to be released in the wild under any circumstances.I personally blame the pet trade for these mistakes,customers seldom know what they are getting into with certain animals.We are not talking dogs,cats,goldfish and hamsters here!



Documentation needs to be presented to new pet owners if their animals are exotic imports stressing the need for information on our environment and how to best keep it stable and balanced.

Animal sellers on both the wholesale and retail levels need to have sane,sensible laws governing their practices.People have a right to know.



On top of all this,eradication of the animals in question through euthanization or otherwise is a poor method of trying to solve the problem and it is,above all,cruel.These animals did not volunteer themselves for capture so humans can profit from their captivity.Recapture them the best we can and donate them to folks who really can care for them.



Best Regards,

Juanqui..AKA..hellerilove

"a concerned herpetologist"

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