Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone know where I can buy an Ozark Hellbender or any kind or any other cool thing like that online. I know about the tank requirements and already have a huge tank set up for it

You are aware that Ozark hellbenders are considered endangered by the states in which they still live?
Also in general hellbenders are is severe trouble throughout their range, with many of the populations showing no signs of successful reproductions for over twenty years.
AFAIK, in all but a couple of states in which hellbenders are found it is now illegal to collect them without permits and I believe the rest of those states where hellbenders are found prohibit commercial trade in any hellbenders collecvted in those states.
If you do locate a hellbender for sale, then most likely it wil be an illegally collected animal.
Remember transactions with illegally collected animals that cross state borders can be prosecuted under the Lacy Act.

Ed

Yes I was aware of that when i purchased the highly expensive set up I just simply asked if anyone knew where i could purchase one or something similar. I didn't ask about how i can conserve them nor did i ask about every law in the United states interfering with buying one. I just wanted to know a site or resource where i could get one

As they are under review as a possible addition for the ESA good luck.

pay for a wanted ad on the classified forums

So you knew that they are threatened in the wild and that interstate trade is illegal. But you were still asking where to buy them online. I find this irresponsible and rather sad.

>>Yes I was aware of that when i purchased the highly expensive set up I just simply asked if anyone knew where i could purchase one or something similar. I didn't ask about how i can conserve them nor did i ask about every law in the United states interfering with buying one. I just wanted to know a site or resource where i could get one

This disturbs me also. If you know these creatures are endangered and their populations are in decline... why try to purchase one anyway? Seems very selfish and also a flagrant disregard for the welfare of the species. If you care a wit about these animals, why not look for a breed that is not endangered? I am afraid I don't understand people like you.

Farvoyager

Ozark Hellebenders are endangered in many states, because of a number of things loss of habitat, pollution, and many other things. I have a Lot of experience with amphibians and wish to preserve them too. They keep them in zoos someimes don't they? So if i bought one a big tank, and studued their habitat and how to keep them alive i would be doing a favpr to the species by protecting one. And what if there was a way NOT to get them illegaly. I dont understand YOUR type.please dont make comments like that if you dont know me nor know what your talking about

By that logic, everyone who is able to care for an endangered species should get one and "protect" it! OK everybody, get out there and get yourself a hellbender, jaguar, spotted owl, panda, ...

>>So if i bought one a big tank, and studued their habitat and how to keep them alive i would be doing a favpr to the species by protecting one.

No I dont think everyone should buy one because some people wouldnt be able to accomadate thos species. I can accomadate this one and would be doing a favor to the species if if i started a breeding group and then maybe releasing them into the wild. If i didnt release tghem it would still be a favor because a expert like myself would be able to accomadate and take care of one properly. Please dont send messages if you dont know my plans or what i am talking about in the first place

Okay you state you are an expert in their care.

Please provide some proof of this statement.

What is the minimal size aquarium? What is the maximal temperature that they should be exposed to? What is the major component of the diet in the wild?

I'll provide some more questions to help you on the way to demonstrating you are an expert.

What does C.I.G. stand for and name two of the people on the steerign committee.

Can you even name the primary researchers involved with this or the nominate species?
Please name the one known captive reproduction in this country in the last 5 years of the nominate species. (I'll give you a hint there were two nests).

What institution currently holds almost the entire captive population of C. a. bishopi?

Ed
Ed Kowalski

Salaman- I'm sure you're a good keep of salamanders, but the only "favors" hellbenders need is for us to keep their habitat intact and to leave them out there so they can do what they do. Please don't collect them....its the last thing they need.

-Jeff

True I don't know about your credentials... but the very fact that you would even consider wild-capturing an endangered species tells me a lot about your level of knowledge/understanding...

By your logic, anyone who thinks they are knowledgable about any type of species would go out and capture one - and then there would be none left in the wild at all...

If you really want to help an endangered species, why not call the Fish & Wildlife department in the appropriate state and talk with their biologists about what you can do to help them. Or better yet - donate some money and/or time to groups who are actively campaigning for the welfare of a species.

Farvoyager