Does anyone see the irony on what is basically a bounty on the Burmese python in ENP. I AGREE that they should be removed.
If a "proper" home cannot be found by all means humanely euthanize the animal. I mean after all we literally euthanize thousands of perfectly healthy dogs and cats everyday in this country. The irony is that the Burm. like all pythons, monitors,(including the Nile), and crocodilians(including Spec. Caimans) are CITES protected animals.
I took my educational reptile show to Cananda around 4 years ago(had a wonderful time) and the amount of paperwork for these animals was staggering. I had 16 species and 13 were CITES.
USF&W had me give the origin of each animal and its parents lineage. It took them 4 months to do my paperwork. Toward the end of the process I think I went crazy. I remember one point I was screaming at the officer. He wanted more proof that my albino burm was captive. Yes I know, unbelievable. I told I wish with all my heart it wasn't captive but it is.
Anyway Croc keepers have tried for years to import farm raised crocs. These animals have never been in the wild and never will be. They are destined for the fashion industry. Yet they are CITES protcted.
Now we have another CITES reptile that is in the wild and the Govt. has all but claimed open season on Burmese pythons. Once again I'm not sayiny they shouldn't but it is ironic. It seems they want it both ways. D.C.
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CITES...To Be or Not to Be
Replies (1)
CITES only applies to international trade. All import, export, re-export etc. Its up to the individual countries wildlife management authorities to set the export quota. Cites has no meaning as long as the animals aren't removed from the country of origin.
If you caught the burms in the Glades and wanted to ship them or any part of them to Europe for example then CITES law would take effect.
Since things like burms and Nile monitors are non native invasive species as long as your not shipping them out of the country theres no reason for the Govermenmt not to do what ever they want with them. Thats how it works everywhere.
Ernie Eison
WESTWOOD ACRES REPTILE FARM INC .
