Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I prefer snakes that look similair to those that can typically be found in the wild. For that reason, I enjoy seeing and owning locality snakes. I have 8 kings (all pets). 4 of them are captive bred, locality animals and 4 are "generic" or line bred. Though I feel that my locality snakes are more authentic to what can be found in the wild, I sometimes question whether locality breeding is ethical. Does it encourage wild collection in areas where habitat destruction, pollution and overcollection have already decimated wild populations? When a certain locality becomes popular, does it mean that that area will become over-collected? I don't want to encourage overcollection, but I love seeing locality snakes. Just food for thought.

Greg

1.1 Az Mtn. Kings (Santa Rita Mts.)
0.1 Coastal Mtn. King(Santa Cruz Mts.)
1.0 Grey Banded King(River Rd.)
1.0 Mexican Black/Cal King Intergrade(SW AZ)
1.1 Variable Kings (The male has some blood that can be traced back to Coahuila, MX)
1.0 Tarahumara Mtn. King

Actually I think if someone or a few people who are reputable have a breeding colony of locale animals, and will sell them at decent prices, that would take the pressure off of the local wild population!!

And I too prefer the natural colors of the snakes in the wild to the eye candy available. But that is what makes this hobby so great, the multitude of diferences!!
Brian

>>I prefer snakes that look similair to those that can typically be found in the wild. For that reason, I enjoy seeing and owning locality snakes. I have 8 kings (all pets). 4 of them are captive bred, locality animals and 4 are "generic" or line bred. Though I feel that my locality snakes are more authentic to what can be found in the wild, I sometimes question whether locality breeding is ethical. Does it encourage wild collection in areas where habitat destruction, pollution and overcollection have already decimated wild populations? When a certain locality becomes popular, does it mean that that area will become over-collected? I don't want to encourage overcollection, but I love seeing locality snakes. Just food for thought.
>>
>>
>> Greg
>>
>>1.1 Az Mtn. Kings (Santa Rita Mts.)
>>0.1 Coastal Mtn. King(Santa Cruz Mts.)
>>1.0 Grey Banded King(River Rd.)
>>1.0 Mexican Black/Cal King Intergrade(SW AZ)
>>1.1 Variable Kings (The male has some blood that can be traced back to Coahuila, MX)
>>1.0 Tarahumara Mtn. King
>>
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1.0 Corn snake
1.0 Black rat snake
1.0 Albino Black rat snake
1.0 Everglades rat snake
0.1 Yellow rat snake
1.1 California king snake
1.0 Prairie king snake
0.1 Black king snake

Good luck and Happy Herping
Brian

That is a dilemma that has bothered me forever. I want locality snakes, I want to collect locality snakes, but I don't want anyone else to for fear of over collecting. lol
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Martin Whalin

"It is foolish to let singleness of purpose deprive one of the joy and delectation of the many wonderful sights and sounds incidental to the quest."
-Carl Kauffeld
My Email

Me too Greg,
I love locality animals, I have certain favorites. The "overcollecting" issues I usually sidestep because quite frankly I think the majority of breeders or collectors like designer or albino or "whatever Mendelian trait" and also, when I hear of one locality being really hot, the beauty of localities is that there are other localities that might be slightly different but still equally attractive to me, so I just get the other locality. I am comfortable enough with knowing N.American, particularly SW US well enough, that "marketing" and hype does not work well with me so therefore my typically does not contribute to a drain on one area as in "Oh, I like Stillwater Bulls too!"
What I also like about localities are that I know more of the natural history of the animal and this helps me know how to take better care of them. Good example is of the "Cape" gophers.
I totally understand and appreciate your position!
I have rambled somewhat but I hope you get my basic message.
Matt