Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi All, There is a thread on the pit forum you guys might find interesting. It's started under pine from hell by Smoke. There are a couple of responders expressing how wrong it is to take anything out of the wild. The last thing I want to do is start a flame war, but I thought maybe some of you guys would share your thoughts in a civil way.
Happy herping and God bless. Alan,

Alan:
This discussion has surfaced off and on in various forums are 'arenas' including the PARC (Partnership in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation) web site.

It is my present thoughts that there are two different approaches often take by both sides. One is the philosophical position that removing any organism from the wild in wrong and immoral. Trying to argue against such a position is like trying to change the basic philosophy of a Republican or Democrat--can't (or rarely) can be done.

The other position is from a biological perspective with a number of individuals (that I consider as ill-informed in the basics of population biology) taking the position that we need to know more about this or that species before any take is warranted. The pros and cons of such a position is far more open to debate in my estimation from that standpoint of applying basic biological principles, logic, and common sense.

Richard F. Hoyer

Hi Richard,
I agree with you on all points. In fact if someone believes nothing should be taken out of the wild, I don't agree with them, but everyone is entitled to their beliefs. But true, you're not going change anyone. I just felt a couple of the responders took too much of a holier than thou attitude while expressing their disaproval. Probably best to leave well enough alone. Later.

Alan,
The responses to the thread on the pit forum is exactly why I prefer not to post there any longer. While I agree that everyone is entitled to their views, I think that the attitudes expressed are the views of the ill-informed. Civility is lacking there, to say the least. Of course, if I or my colleagues found a gravid tricolor Red Bullsnake in the wild (we currently have two), the same "captive born only" attitude would quickly dissipate. By the way; the ruthveni are doing great, thanks again.

Hey Bart, How have you been? I'll call you soon to tell you about my Kentucky trip. Glad to hear the ruthvinis are doing well for you.