Prejudice of the history of the animal? I would call it protective of the species. You know, maybe you don’t or maybe you just do not care that Varanus olivaceus should be CITES I. The reason it is not under CITES I protection is unclear, there are certainly other species less worthy of this status than V. olivaceus, but probably is a result of not enough being known about this species; however, its rarity and limited distribution should be enough justification. Maybe it is simply because the hide of V. olivaceus is not traded. Anyone that really knows about CITES knows that it is terribly flawed and is more concerned about being a commodity manager of commercial assets than something to actually assist the plight of endangered animals and plants.

This “whatever you can get away with” attitude epitomizes what is so wrong with the pet trade! The acquiring of animals of questionable legal origin is unethical, but then I am addressing a problem in a trade that has no ethical code and is perfectly happy with unscrupulous transactions as long as they can obtain what they want and make money. The larger US importers’ dealings are above board, at least from what I have seen; they have to be because they are under closer observation because of their large volume; they are sure to be caught. It is all the numerous medium and small size operations which you will usually see this behavior from, because they are not under such close observation; they can get away with it.

Legality is only part of the overall equation. Yes, questionable legality is my opinion, but it is a statement that carries the ethical burden of these questions:
1) How did this V. olivaceus leave the Philippines? Legally or illegally?
2) What is its history?
Again, I am addressing an industry that has no ethical code or moral foundation nor are they interested in such; it would cost them what they want and the money they will make off of it.

As to the original post, what is a person that has to ask these questions on any forum doing trying to acquire a Varanus olivaceus in the first place?!? They obviously do not have a deep knowledge (or even a minimal knowledge) of this species. What a shame it would be for someone like this to have his hands on such a rare creature as this and you, FR, are pushing him in the direction to acquire it! What are the chances of it surviving or even doing well in the care of someone like this?

Like all posts that may offend someone, even though the truth is revealed, this post will probably be deleted. This is shameful, because this IS about the monitors and is completely monitor related. I have seen posts deleted that tell some hard facts that some do not want to see or have other people see. Sometimes the truth hurts.

Cheers,

Michael

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