Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Every shed these crosses look great. Should have F1 bred back to pure bred this year's hatch.

Very interesting. Not sure how I feel about the crossing of these two though. How long have you been working at this?

he post this time last year. Simply just an add. Tom

I understand the "feelings" of crosses since pure breds maintain
a specie in natural environments. Since, these are not going back to a natural habitat and many a lizard enthusiast would love to keep a large chuckwalla with color, no legal wranglings, and a great docile personality, this is the way to go. There are plenty of pure breds available in the US. The permit process is laborious (yes I have mine as legal USA captive bred parents to these hybrids) and usually intimidating
to the average keeper. This next generation (F1 to pure bred) of 2007 hatchlings should be outstanding in color and continued temperament.

In addition, through this captive program I've worked on for 4 years some interesting observations have occurred. It may be possible that a single recessive gene (melanistic)to the endemic race of Angel Island chucks (S. hispidus)is responsible for the typical all black progeny of generations to an isolated island form.

I am all for preserving species and sub-species in every genera
and class. However, some advances in hybridization can increase
qualities yet unexplored in species as pure breds (often in-breds).

Working with reptiles for over 40 years, I have seen many advances in husbandry, captive breeding programs, and marketing.In order to sustain the next generation of young herpers with knowledge and expertise we must explore avenues of preservation and at that same time seek ways to not forfeit the right to maintain a collection.

LOL. I am a friend of Kelly Paul. He has been telling me about this. I I am not a fan of hybrids but as long as they are sold as hybrids there should be no problem. Do you remember the fiasco with the Cyclura lewisi? I am afraid that might happen with the varius with some unscrupulous people. Anyway they do look pretty good. Hispidus body shape with a kind of varius color pattern. Are you still working with the conspics? I heard you got some melanosterna from Mark. How are those guys? I heard yours are pretty flighty but that may be because they are still young. The guys in Europe say they become tame as a conspic or yellow pectinata. I hope you answer as I don't see you on the forums at all. I am also good friends with Tom Nelson from the ex-Great Lakes Zoological. I believe you guys go back away.

Yeah, it's hard to hibernate at 116 degrees. I read the forums all the time. Time is the issue. I would like to touch base with you. Yes,on Tom N. from Great Lakes. I grew up in Mich.
Go Blue ! But we oldsters are still at it with herps and the discoveries in husbandry, captive propagation,etc. I remember days when collecting was ALLOWED !
g

But not as sweet as my Dapple, LOL

Heeeeehehhe, moms sure are allowed bragging rights!

The lovely Dapple

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PHEve / Eve

Yes Eve, Nice.

I have some very nice contrast specimens that are in a shed and didn't make the lens for this months issue of Lizard Spectacular
But they will come out in good time. Actually, on the subject the hybrids as they go through each shed keep getting more and more vivid. Some do have more salmon/pinkish than others. The pure bred varius are some of the nicest stock as well. g

Would insular chucks do well in a humid south Florida environment?