rest of message continued --
The melaleuca tree is actually another invasive species in Florida, in south Florida it has become quite a problem... but regardless your points are indeed very valid. The trade as a whole needs to become a little more responsible for the upsurge in invasive species. Central Florida's native wildlife and ecosystems are under serious threat from such introduced species as the Cuban tree frog, tilapia, red-eared sliders and Mediterranian geckos. Southern Florida is even worse, with countless invasives thriving in the tropical climate. The problem is not helped by the guys selling baby turtles out of the backs of trucks on the side of the road. As much as I love herps I would be the first to call for some sort of regulation, or at least some serious enforcement of existing laws, especially those banning the release of captive animals into the wild.

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