Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So there is no question in my mind how much we all love our animals. I mean if money, space, and time were not a factor I am sure I would have a collection that would match that of the biggest collection, but unfortunately that is not the case. So with my love of these animals, like the most of you, it is about research. With my research I am constantly finding out that in the natural habitat the animals we love are threatened in some way. For example Hogg Island Boas, Dumerils, Pythons, etc., but if you go to a show these animals are plentiful. (maybe not plentiful but there are some animals there) I am also sure that habitat loss is the main reason these animals are not as plentiful.

So my question to all of you is; can we help? I would hate to know that the animals we love have declined to the point that they only can be found in captivity. I know that this brings up other questions or bloodlines, the natural effect of these animals and the habitats that they live. But can some of the larger breeders come up with some thing so that they can donate a clutch to the wild where these animals live. Or has it gotten to the point where we just don’t care.

I do not consider myself a herpetologist, or a scientist or any kind. Maybe I am being ignorant with my thinking. But I also know that this is not all about money…at least it shouldn’t be. It is about the love and respect for the animals. Can we help can we make these animals survive the test of time so that they can live on. But maybe that will bring up the point that some naturalists will say that we are part of the problem for having the animals in the first place. Humans are greedy. We want things. But I also know that we can replenish what we take

MAYBE!.......MAYBE NOT?
-----
Scott
"Imagination is more important than knowledge" -Einstein

That would not work because after generations of captive breeding, boas start to lose their natural immune system so it would not be as strong as a wild boa. Therefore, they would more than likely die in the wild. Also worse case what if the IBD virus was introduced into the wild population from a CBB boa. Then humans could be the cause of their extinction.

Take care
Tom
-----
McCarthyBoas.com

Like i said i havent thought the idea out completely....and i know that there are several factors that play into it....I guess my heart is in the right place but you make a VERY good point....damned if we do damned if we dont huh?
-----
Scott
"Imagination is more important than knowledge" -Einstein

Some wild caught animals have inclusions, showing the exact same evidence required to give the automatic and liberally dolled out IBD diagnosis Tom.
-----
Boaphile Home
All Original/Boaphile Plastics
The Boa Network

;
-----
McCarthyBoas.com

No scientist, anywhere, would recommend the release of captive reptiles from breeders regardless of who.

I think the only possible exception to this would be in the case of something that is completely extinct in the wild, that could be repopulated with guaranteed original non-crossed stock and then only if they were pretty stinking sure those animals reintroduction did not represent any other disease threat to other native species.

I think this would most likely only occur with an island species that is known not to have been crossed. But I have never heard of such a thing.

So it's not a matter of "greed".
-----
Boaphile Home
All Original/Boaphile Plastics
The Boa Network

maybe not 'greed' but money...some people might see the dollar signs taking animals and selling them....It happens around the world....why becasue people want it as a pet or some madicinal (sp?)purposes
-----
Scott
"Imagination is more important than knowledge" -Einstein

Captive breeding, headstarting, and repatriation is possible in country of origin, with tight controls. Otherwise, not feasible.
Once an animal becomes institutionalized in the commercial/captive trade, it or it's offspring are not considered candidates for return to the wild for a number of justifiable reasons.
jsc
-----
"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

The egg collection, captive propagation, head-starting, and release of Ridley Sea Turtles from Mexico to the Texas Gulf Coast would be one of the rare exceptions to this.
By no means an informal casual hobbyist evolution.
jsc
-----
"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer