SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)
Location: LEE/1.
The situation in the Solomon's reminds me of the fate of Cacatua goffini in the 70's when Japanese loggers completely deforested Tanimbar Island. The Goffin's were captured dazed and shipped for the pet trade. Many were lost due to disease and stress. They did not adjust well to dealing with humans. The survivors eventually reproduced and now the viable breeding population is a captive one. Corucia zebrata seems to have a similar parallel.
Obviously, Exportation cannot be suppressed entirely and as it was mentioned recently, when confuscated, what happens then? Obviously, Illegal activity creates a greater risk of disease and suffering- yet so does complete loss of their ecosystem.
I feel the floodgates of exportation be opened-but heavily regulated with individual registration papers accompaning each individual. The final sale would require a survey filled out of the habitant of the final destination and returned to U.S. fish and Game or the equivelent country agency. The illegal caravan out of West Irian must be stopped or the Corucia if in poor health conditions be confiscated for medical treatment and their fate decided after their recovery. I would like to see for all animals, an inspector checking all petshops and warehouse outlets. Any animal in poor health-not being treated would be subject to confiscation. Confiscated Corucia's would be taken a AZA zoo dealing with this species or a Corucia Research Center. The CCA appears to be extinct or at least in deep hibernation, but if not then to a CCA member destination.
At least I take comfort when A Corucia survives the hell from the homeland or during her/his long journey and reaches the final destination in full recovery. In a proper Corucia breeding location (Meaning most of us), the long nightmare is over and they can live out their lives in complete harmony.
yes, Flavia the Malaysian situation we have been involved with for months is very sickening. Additional reports to the U.S. Fish and Game may get forwarded to some one who can take action. In the past, I have worked with The Green Iguana Society. They have much longer arms than the CCA did (Does?) and may be able to help us again in the future to make contacts. I am still listed with them as a regional advisor.
Let's put our heads together and see what we can do.
Hopefully, For whatever strange reason, I hope this message isn't pulled like James and Jess's messages.
Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC
