Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Would you be interested in owning a Bengal cross? Why or why not?

By the way, this is NOT a sales pitch. Just a question.

d

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I don't believe in crossing species or subspecies, but hey, that's just me.

That isn't to say it's right or wrong, as it's up to the individual, but you did ask for opinions.

Im not in for debate. Just curious.

Thanks for voicing!

-Michelle

hm... that's a tricky one to answer, kind of like explaining why one colour is your favourite.

I suppose it has to do with maintaining the integrity of subspecies, even though there is no chance any of them will ever be released back into the wild. Probably stems from working at a couple of zoos which had mongrel versions of certain species that they had to work hard to prevent from reproducing. Most serious herpers I know here do their best to match their captive animals with mates from the same locale, not just the same subspecies, so when people advertise the offspring the ads will often state the locale. The people buying the animals will usually have an idea of the subtle colour or morphological traits typical of that locale.

It's not a matter of being right or wrong, it's just my personal opinion. Call me a freak or a purist, but I am also not a big fan of mutants such as supertigergreenstripedgranitepiebald snakes (and know that this is sadly going to be happening to monitors, soon, too). I find genetics fascinating, but given the choice I'll always go for 'wild type' for my own collection. Come to think of it, I also prefer wolfish or dingo type dogs over the floppy eared, floppy jowled breeds and will take a wild looking tabby cat over a flat faced hairy persian type cat any day. That's just me.

I understand where youre coming from. My thoughts on a Bengal cross come from the idea of making an animal that is hard to attain, easier to attain, thereby raising appreciation for it...
I dont really even like the pet trade as a whole, but there has to be an interest for people to want to do something.
Its such a complex issue really. Ill probably look back on this and think what a goofball I was, but oh well, it wouldnt be the first time . Live n learn.

-Michelle

if it wasn't to expensive yes i would be intrested.
Alex