I'm not sure how common the knowledge that there is a glut of illegal animals for sale in the classifieds is. But if you are not aware, there are. This is a pic from a UK dealer who has been contacting Kingsnake posters to find potential illegal importers here in the states, apparently with much success.
I have been approached 3 times in the past year by different dealers in the UK attempting to sell me Indian and Sri Lankan Stars, as well Burmese. I know for a fact that some of these stars are being sold on Kingsnake. I have been sent pics from the UK of the poor animals, and then seen the same animals for sale on Kingsnake.
Ok. This is probably obvious. But if you purchase an animal that someone else illegally imported, you may not be breaking the law per se, but you are the BIGGEST part of the problem.
1. Think about how many animals die between capture, middle-man-ing, and oversea transport, just to get you one star.
2. These animals WILL die in captivity. Especially the adults that are now appearing in the illegal trade. Even if you are very capable with the species, you are not "saving" an animal that has been illegally imported. You are condeming many others to death by supporting the illegal trade.
3. Ignorance is no excuse. If a dealer seems to have a continuous supply of any age stars besides juviniles, ask yourself: "where do they come from"?
I have 3.4.6 Indian and Sri Lankan Stars. I've raised 2 of them for the past 10 years from hatchlings, and are now reproductive. And seeing the appeal of the species diminish because many of the animals on the market are sick and doomed imports really upsets me.
This is not about money. Or the market. This is about the hobby. And it is being tarnished by those for whom money is far more important than the animals and their long-run fate.
Be convinced that an animal is CB before you buy it. Real hobbyists take pictures, weights, and measurements. Ask questions. Be a part of the solution. Don't provide demand for illegal tortises.
