Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Steve, you posted a comment that seems to have been lost in the previous Ruthveni post.

"And what about those men who released several dozen bull snakes into central Louisiana back in the 30's? How will that affect the gene pool?"

I have heard of this as far back as "72". I heard it was done again by a breeder of pituophis for a few seasons as well in the early 70's. What is the story on the release of Bulls as far back as the 30s? Although it has been brought up by some long gone commercial collectors, I do not recall the exact story.

I really don't know for sure. I have heard of many different kinds of non-native herps being intentionally released for various reasons. This makes you ask.... Does ANYONE really have a pure ruthveni? I think if someone does a study - it will show that there is evidence of sayi in the wild population.

===I think if someone does a study - it will show that there is evidence of sayi in the wild population.===

if i remember correctly, reichling's paper from '95 where he makes his push for ruthveni being a species, he states that ruthveni is genetically closer to sayi than melanoleucus but different enough from both to merit species status.

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